Iran Government Says They Will Never Develop Nuclear Weapons

Matt Spetalnick reuters.com WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed on Wednesday that his government will never develop nuclear weapons, his strongest signal yet that he may be seeking a diplomatic thaw with the West after decades of acrimony. In an interview with NBC News days before he travels to New York for a U.N. appearance, the new Iranian president also insisted that he has "complete authority" to negotiate a nuclear deal with the United States and other Western powers. "We have time and again said that under no circumstances would we seek any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, nor will we ever," Rouhani said when asked whether he would forswear nuclear arms. Rouhani's conciliatory comments appeared to be another sign of his willingness to work toward a diplomatic solution in Iran's bitter nuclear standoff with the West. Washington and its allies are intrigued but still wary, making clear they hope to see tangible steps to back up his words. Speaking to the U.S. network at his presidential compound in Tehran, Rouhani said the tone of a letter he had received from President Barack Obama, part of a recent exchange of messages between the leaders, was "positive and constructive." "It could be subtle and tiny steps for a very important future," Rouhani said six days before he is due to address the U.N. General Assembly, a speech that will be closely watched for fresh diplomatic overtures. to read more click here: reuters.com