Tajikistan supports Iran's right to develop a peaceful nuclear program, Tajik Foreign Minister Khamrokhon Zarifi said on Thursday.

"We are against any form of developing nuclear weapons in any corner of the world, including Iran," Zarifi said at a news conference in Dushanbe.

"However, we fully support Iran's right to research in the nuclear energy sphere for peaceful purposes," he said.

Ties between Tajikistan and Iran have been improving, he said.

The West suspects Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

On June 9, the UN Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, including tougher financial controls and an expanded arms embargo, as well as an asset ban on three dozen companies and a travel freeze on individuals.

Later, the United States and the European Union imposed extra unilateral sanctions against Iran, including tougher restrictions on the energy sector and a tougher trade embargo.

Iran says the sanctions will only hinder talks on resolving the issue.

DUSHANBE, July 29 (RIA Novosti)