Iran has downplayed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent remarks in New York that another nuclear power in the neighbourhood was not desirable and that Tehran should fulfil its international obligations.

When asked to comment on the prime minister's remarks, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a press conference in New York that Tehran has repeatedly made it clear that its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes and that it is working under the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Bush expresses concern over Iran's n-programme

The Iranian President was addressing the press conference on Saturday immediately after his address to the 191-member United Nations General Assembly.