Rouhani: Beliefs stop Iran from pursuing nukes

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's president says the Islamic Republic rejects the manufacture of nuclear weapons out of principle, not because it is prevented so by treaties.

Hassan Rouhani also said that, had Iran wanted weapons of mass destruction, it would be easier for it to make chemical or biological weapons. He made the comments Saturday while addressing Iran's defense ministry officials.

Rouhani said that Iran's "beliefs" and commitment to "ethical principles" prevent it from making a bomb.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already issued a religious decree banning the production and use of nuclear weapons. He says having such arms is a sin.

The U.S. and its allies fear that Iran seeks to develop the ability to make a nuclear weapon, should it want one. Iran denies the charge.