Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said but made it clear that this has to be consistent with its international obligations and commitments.

The minister also stated that all issues relating to Iran's nuclear programme must be resolved through dialogue and understanding and that confrontation must be avoided.

In an interview to Iranian news agency IRNA ahead of his visit to Tehran, the minister felt that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must play a ‘central role’ in resolving all the outstanding issues relating to Tehran's nuclear programme.

"We firmly are of the view that Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and in a manner that is consistent with its international obligations and commitments.”

New Delhi has held that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is entitled to all cooperation in its civilian nuclear programme. At the same time, as a NPT signatory Iran has to undertake all the requisite obligations.

India has also stated in clear terms that it would not like another weapon state emerging in its neighbourhood as it could raise serious security concerns.

Western nations nurse strong suspicion over Tehran's nuclear ambitions but undeterred by it, Iran has insisted that it will not stop uranium enrichment even if it is guaranteed supplies of nuclear fuel from abroad.

Asked about New Delhi's stand, Mukherjee said, "the Prime Minister has stated our position which is well known. We have all along been saying that all issues relating to Iran's nuclear programme must be resolved through dialogue and understanding and that confrontation must be avoided.”

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