Iranian President Hassan Rouhani swore on Wednesday that his country's government will never develop nuclear weapons-a potential indication that the politician might be looking toward making reparations with Western powers.
The President of Iran appeared on an interview with NBC News from his presidential compound in Tehran, just six days before he embarks on a trip to New York for a U.N. event. Rouhani maintained that he possesses "complete authority" to talk over a nuclear deal with the West.
"We have time and again said that under no circumstances would we seek any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, nor will we ever," Rouhani stated, on whether he would swear off nuclear weapons.
According to Reuters, Rouhani's comments could be further evidence that the leader is interested in reconciling with the West, after decades of animosity.
Rouhani also told NBC that in a letter sent to him from U.S. President Barack Obama, there were "positive and constructive" comments and sentiments.
"It could be subtle and tiny steps for a very important future," Rouhani stated, days before he will address the U.N. General Assembly.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, said that Islamic values bar the Iranian government from making nuclear weapons. Rouhani's firm stance against the development of such weaponry has stoked further hopes to begin oft-postponed international nuclear talks, Reuters said.
Khamenei also stressed the importance of "flexibility" between governments.
Meanwhile, Washington responded warily to Rouhani's comments - although he has largely been regarded as a forward thinking leader with potential to reopen peaceful relations with the United States, America's past relationship with Iran gives the White House reason to tread lightly.
"The world has heard a lot from President Rouhani's administration about its desire to improve the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's relations with the international community, and President Obama believes we should test that assertion," White House spokesperson Bernadette Meehan told Reuters. "We hope that this new Iranian government will engage substantively in order to reach a diplomatic solution that will fully address the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear program."