The U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), published last week, stated that Tehran had put a stop to weapons production in 2003, although it was continuing to enrich uranium. The report contradicted a previous U.S. intelligence assessment in 2005 which said that the Islamic Republic was actively pursuing a nuclear bomb.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has never strived in its history to create nuclear weapons and will never do so as it contradicts religious beliefs, human principles and does not correspond with the military doctrine of our country," Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said.
The minister added that the current Iranian nuclear program is absolutely peaceful and does not pose a threat to any other country.
"On the contrary, peaceful Iranian nuclear technology could benefit other regional states in the future," the defense minister said.
U.S. President George W. Bush said last Tuesday that, "Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous and Iran will be dangerous if they have the know how to make a nuclear weapon."
