Iran’s supreme leader denies Tehran is seeking nuclear weapons

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says atomic weapons are ‘useless, harmful and dangerous’ day after IAEA declares visit a failure

Iran’s supreme leader said the Islamic Republic was not seeking nuclear weapons, adding that they were “useless, harmful and dangerous”.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was speaking after meetings with Iranian nuclear scientists and officials on Wednesday. He did not mention a visit this week to Iran by the UN nuclear watchdog.

The International Atomic Energy Agency team left Tehran on Tuesday without finding any way forward in attempts to persuade Iran to talk about suspected secret work on atomic arms.

Khamenei says atomic weapons do not bring power but that Iran’s achievements in nuclear technology have brought dignity and pride to the nation. His remarks were broadcast on state TV.

The west accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

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via http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/22/iran-supreme-leader-nuclear-weapons-denial