Iran Nuclear Chief Pledges Cooperation With UN

Salehi at the IAEA on September 16

Iran's new atomic energy chief has pledged increased cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog.

Ali Akhbar Salehi told the annual general conference of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member states on September 16 that he was "optimistic" about upcoming talks with world powers over the Islamic republic's nuclear program.

He said the election in June of a new government under President Hassan Rohani has created a "conducive environment" to resolving the long-running standoff.

Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said the aim was to "put an end to the so-called Iranian nuclear file."

Iran and the IAEA are due to meet on September 27 in Vienna. The IAEA hopes for an agreement that would allow it to restart a long-stalled investigation into suspected atom-bomb research by Iran, a charge Iran denies.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP