"Iran is entitled to use nuclear power in peaceful purposes, but is not allowed to have nuclear weapons," Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul- Gheit, said on Tuesday16/5/2006 in statements on the fringes of his visit to Japan.

He said Iran is a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which gives member states the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

But he warned of a nuclear military activity by any country whether Iran or Israel, voicing Egypt's opposition to a nulcear arms race in the region.

The top Egyptian diplomat further hoped that the Iranian nuclear standoff with the West would be ended peacefully.