Iran offers olive branch?

TEHRAN, April 2 (UPI) -- Iran is a nation that seeks peace and constructive dialogue, the Iranian president said amid a thawing diplomatic climate.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad struck a conciliatory tone on the heels of a major conference on Afghanistan that saw U.S. and Iranian officials embracing common themes.

"The Iranian nation is a peace-loving, civilized one which sponsors talks, logic, justice and forbearance," Ahmadinejad said in statements published by Press TV.

British officials have softened their position on the controversial Iranian nuclear program, opening the door for possible diplomatic engagement.

Washington, for its part, has unveiled a sweeping policy of engagement following years of isolation under George W. Bush. U.S. President Barack Obama offered a warm message to the Iranian people on the occasion of the Iranian new year, while U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has offered Iran a seat at the table for talks on Afghanistan.

Ahmadinejad said his nation wants to pursue a "peaceful" and "rational dialogue" with the West amid the climate of engagement, Press TV reports.

The relationship between the Islamic republic and Western nations is historically acrimonious. Apart from its proxies in Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran faces increasing pressure to abandon its controversial nuclear program.