"The atomic weapon has no place in the political and military strategy of the Islamic Republic," Khatami said, but warned: "Iran will not renounce the development of nuclear technology, one of the pillars of the power of the people," a reference to Iran's atomic energy program.

The remarks come as a legal experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hold talks here with Iranian counterparts on the technical aspects of the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The protocol would allow for snap inspections of any suspect sites by international inspectors.

Iran is under strong pressure to sign the protocol and prove it is not secretly developing atomic weapons, as charged by Washington.

Khatami was speaking during a meeting with Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of the leadership.

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