Rouhani says Iran will not develop nuclear weapons 'on principle'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said the country has decided not to develop nuclear weapons out of principle.

Rouhani also urged Iran's military leaders to let diplomacy prevail in dealing with potential foreign threats.

The comments from the Iranian leader reflected a clear reference to efforts to end the nuclear dispute and decades of hostile relations with the west, the Guardian reports.

According to the report, Rouhani said that it was very important to formulate one's sentences and speeches in a way that is not construed as threat, intention to strike a blow.

He added that Iran must be very careful in its calculations. Launching missiles and staging military exercises to scare off the other side is not good deterrence.

According to the report, the United States and its allies fear that Iran is seeking to develop the ability to make a nuclear weapon, should it want one.

Iran has denied the charges, saying that its nuclear programme is peaceful and geared towards generating electricity.

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