Iranian president pledges to never develop nuclear weapons: U.S. media

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told a major U.S. network on Wednesday that his administration will never develop nuclear weapons and that he has full authority to make a deal with Western powers on his country's atomic program.

Rouhani made the announcement in an interview with NBC News, the outlet reported. It said Rouhani also talked about his initial interactions with U.S. President Barack Obama, who sent him a letter of congratulations after his election and raised "some issues."

"From my point of view, the tone of the letter was positive and constructive," Rouhani said. "It could be subtle and tiny steps for a very important future. I believe the leaders in all countries could think in their national interest and they should not be under the influence of pressure groups. I hope to witness such an atmosphere in the future."

In an interview with ABC News broadcast on Sunday, Obama said he exchanged letters with Rouhani, and the Iranians understand the nuclear issue is "a far larger issue for us than the chemical weapons issue."

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday that the letter -- in which Obama said the U.S. is open to a resolution that allows Iran to prove its nuclear program is peaceful -- conveyed the need to act quickly because the window for a diplomatic deal " will not remain open indefinitely."

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