Iran 'disapproves' of NK's nuclear test
Longtime Pyongyang ally calls for 'world without nuclear weapons'; urges nations to disarm
Iran commented Tuesday on North Korea's nuclear test, the third of held by the isolated nation, saying that it "disapproves" of it and calling for a world without nuclear weapons.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said that all atomic weapons "should be destroyed," and that the use of nuclear energy should be restricted to peaceful purposes only.
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"We need to come to the point where no country has any nuclear weapons and at the same time all weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arms need to be destroyed," Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters.
"At the same all countries should have the right to make use of nuclear activities for peaceful purposes," he said.
S.Korean soldiers monitoring reports (Photo: Reuters)
Iran has been slapped with numerous international sanctions due to its controversial nuclear program, which the West insists masks a drive for atomic weapons despite repeated denials by Tehran.
"For such a world to exist those who proud of their nuclear stockpiles… need to be the first people to disarm so that no country would pursue these weapons," Mehmanparast said.
The test, by the pariah nation has been met with the world condemnation.
Tehran was among the few nations who congratulated North Korea on successfully launching a scientific satellite in orbit, last December, but denied having a role in preparing the launch.
Pyongyang and Tehran are both under UN Security Council sanctions for their ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
A 2011 UN sanctions report said Tehran and Pyongyang were suspected of sharing ballistic missile technology.
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