The Muslim News

Qum, IRNA:

Hojatoleslam Mohsen Gharavian, a scholar at Qom Seminary, on Monday rejected rumors appearing on some websites quoting him as saying that the use of nuclear weapons is allowed according to the Islamic tenets.

The British weekly "Sunday Telegraph" in its last edition wrote that religious leaders in Iran have issued a new fatwa (religious decree) that permits the use of atomic weapons against enemies.

The theologian, who was talking in an exclusive interview with IRNA, added, "We do not seek nuclear weapons and the Islamic religion encourages coexistence along with peace and friendship."

Recalling his statement, Gharavian reiterated, "I said if the enemies plan to launch attacks on our vital sites, we have the capacity to defend ourselves and take retaliatory measures against them.

"Unfortunately, these websites have tried to misquote me," he reiterated.

He said Iran is doing its best to promote spirituality and humanistic and Islamic values and never wages a war.

The religious figure said the distortion of his remarks betrayed the enemies' desperation.

"I have just stated an idea, but it is obvious that the Islamic Republic of Iran plans to settle its nuclear case through
negotiations.

"The enemies aim to create pretexts and misuse the issue through hue and cry."

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