ALMATY, Kazakhstan, April 20 (UPI) -- Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami says Tehran has no desire for a nuclear weapon, but any isolation, sanctions or military strike against his country would worsen the international crisis.
Khatami's denial came even as leaked documents from the International Atomic Energy Agency shed new light on Iran's nuclear program.
The IAEA document claimed that Iran "has put into operation 1,312 centrifuges" that are operating in eight cascades of 164 centrifuges each to produce enriched uranium from UF6 (uranium hexafluoride gas, one of the basic ingredients in fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons).
However, speaking at the Eurasian Media Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Khatami said, "Iran has no desire to possess nuclear weapons. The country does not even think about it. We want to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes only," he said.
"Why do other countries have a right to atomic energy, and why do we not?" the former president asked. "We need nuclear technology in order to produce electricity and fuel, because oil and gas reserves are depleting."
Khatami, the moderate face of the Islamic Republic, added, "I can tell you very clearly that developing nuclear weapons does not exist in Iran's military doctrine. We are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."
Khatami did not defend his successor President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his outbursts, but he minced no words in warning that any military strike or even isolation or sanctions against Iran would worsen the delicate situation in the Middle East.
"Dialogue, dialogue and dialogue is the only key to resolving the crisis," Khatami said, clearly hinting that despite difficult relations, Tehran was willing to sit across the table with anyone.
Referring to reports of a possible military strike against Iran, Khatami said, "If there is a new crisis in the Middle East, Iran will suffer but everyone else will also suffer, including the U.S.
"Today Iran is ready for a dialogue but you should pressure your (U.S.) government to resolve issues through negotiation if there is a good will," Khatami said, looking at former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke, who was also on the same panel on the forum.
At a time when Washington and Tehran are at odds, Khatami's remarks may act as a soother. Holbrooke said he was delighted to hear Khatami's assurances but his successor Ahmadinejad's statements left no doubt that a nuclear weapon is in the cards. The former U.S. diplomat said Ahmadinejad's statements, such as that the Jewish Holocaust never occurred, were "inexplicable" and many in the world doubted Iran's denials about wanting to develop nuclear weapons.
"I wish what you (Khatami) are saying is true," Holbrooke said.
Holbrooke told the audience at the media forum that although the Bush administration has said all options, including a military strike against Iran, were on the table, he doubted that a strike is a practical approach at the moment to deal with the crisis. Khatami's remarks came a day after the IAEA said Iran is delivering small amounts of uranium gas to centrifuges that can enrich it to weapons-grade level and is running more than 1,300 centrifuge machines.
Khatami told Holbrooke he was ready to travel to the United States to discuss the issue, once a new administration was voted into power.
Khatami had a supporter in former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, who said that Iran does not intend to create nuclear weapons in the near future. Speaking about the enrichment of uranium, Primakov said, "That is being done by dozens of countries, and under these circumstances it would be wrong to believe that Iran cannot do the same.
"What will Iran do with the nuclear bomb? Attack Israel? That would also eliminate (Islamic) Palestine," Primakov argued at the gathering. The former premier said Iran needs to learn some diplomatic tactics to deal with the situation. "I am concerned with that Iran is not behaving smartly with its own tactics."
Though Russian President Vladimir Putin has opposed Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, Moscow has agreed to provide Iran with much of the technology it needs. The United States has asked Iran to allow U.N. weapons inspectors to visit all Iranian nuclear facilities -- a demand Iran has so far turned down.
While Khatami made moderate remarks, President Ahmadinejad has warned, "Our army will cut off the hand of any attacker and is ready to fulfill its defensive duties."
