Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the prolongation of the current Western dispute over the Islamic Republic's nuclear energy program is in no one's interest.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Ban Ki-moon
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (L) and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, September 23, 2012
"If everyone tries to reduce negative outlooks, we will be more successful in resolving the issue," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Iranian president stressed that clearing the misunderstandings regarding Tehran's nuclear energy program can help resolve disagreements.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies accuse Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran rejects the allegations, arguing that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Commenting on Israel's threats against Tehran, Ahmadinejad said, "The Islamic Republic does not believe in answering threats with threats."

Israel, however, must not be applauded for threatening Iran and these threats must be condemned, the Iranian president added.

"Iran is completely prepared to defend itself," Ahmadinejad stressed.

Tel Aviv has repeatedly threatened Tehran with a military strike over the nuclear energy accusations.

Iranian officials have promised a crushing response to any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.