Iran not seeking nuke bombs, says top official

The head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization said his country was not seeking to build an atomic bomb “because nuclear weapons are strictly forbidden by Islam.”

Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi answered the allegations about Iran’s controversial nuclear program in an interview with daily Hürriyet as the Islamic Republic was expected to respond to a United Nations proposal of exporting most of its enriched uranium to Russia for further refining.

“Building nuclear weapons is forbidden by our religion, and it is also not in our interest,” Salehi said. “Honestly, just think that we have nuclear weapons, then where could we use them? Could we hit Israel while it has the full support of the United States? Who could refuse the nuclear might of the United States? We are clever enough."

Replying to a question about Iran’s recently unveiled secret uranium enrichment plant, Salehi said his country has the right to build a nuclear power plant, adding that they were acting in accordance with international engagements. “As we have repeatedly said before, we will not give up our rights,” he said.

Salehi also said all Iranians hailed Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a hero after his public row with Israeli President Shimon Peres over the Gaza war at a high-profile international gathering in Davos, Switzerland, in January. “We were also pleased when Prime Minister Erdoğan made a supportive speech in New York about Iran’s nuclear program. Turkey’s support is very important for us,” he said.