No need of nuclear bomb and war with US, says Ahmadinejad

Sep 24: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a television interview to the CBS programme made it clear that Iran doesn’t need nuclear weapons and his country is not heading towards a war with United States.

Just before leaving for United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ahmadinejad said, "You have to appreciate we don't need a nuclear bomb. We don't need that. What need do we have for a bomb?"

The Iranian president also pointed out that Iran’s nuclear programme is purely peaceful and the nation has no intention to develop a nuclear bomb.

Tehran ’s nuclear programme is largely criticised by international community and also propelled United States to put sanctions on Iran. Though Iran and US both advocate a diplomatic end to all problems but Washington is always of belief that Iran is in the process of developing nuclear weapons and also on the forefront of providing support to Shiite militants in Iraq.

Ahmadinejad earlier on Saturday had told that any UN-backed economic sanction or political propaganda would not hamper its economic progress and hence it is wrong for the western countries to launch any war against Iran.

Earlier on Saturday, one of the top most political leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned western countries not to initiate any military action against Iran. He said any military attack on Iran would result in ‘serious consequences’.

Meanwhile French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for tougher international sanctions on Tehran. Permanent members of UN are scheduled to meet on Friday on the sidelines of the talks of UN General Assembly and are supposed to discuss possible action against Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.

Earlier speaking to local reporters Ahmadinejad had said that the General Assembly was an "important podium" for him to give vent to Iran's views. Also mentioned that it is best for the Americans to understand the exact points of happenings and as far as the nuclear programme is concerned it is fully transparent.

Ahmadinejad’s visit to America has brought protests from all quarters of the host country. He is also going to address students and teachers in the Columbia University Forum on Monday and on Tuesday he will put Iran’s voice in his address to the Assembly.