Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), has expressed his deep concern over developments related to the Iranian nuclear issue, following the submission by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of its report to the UN Security Council. "It is in everyone's interest to deal with this issue on the basis of dialogue and peaceful means through the diplomatic channels in order to avert any escalation of the crisis, such as the threat of force", Ihsanoglu said. "Every effort should be made in the beginning to remove the current causes of tension and make use of arbitration and the norms governing the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its capacity as the competent, specialized agency mandated to decide on controversial issues arising", the Secretary-General added.

Ihsanoglu expressed personal satisfaction and optimism at statements issued by Western officials, which emphasized that the door to negotiations had not been shut down. He also welcomed statements by Iranian officials indicating their willingness to continue working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and complying with IAEA norms, remarking that such readiness should allay Western fears based on doubts regarding Iran's true intentions for the future.

The Secretary-General confirmed that he had made contacts with Iranian leaders on this subject and that he would be continuing his good offices to find a satisfactory solution to this issue.