India, May 24 -- Iran has strongly rejected comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding its enriched uranium programme during his visit to New Delhi.

Rubio had stated that Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and suggested that Tehran would need to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of broader diplomatic efforts.

Responding to the remarks, Iran's Embassy in India said Rubio's statements were misleading and an attempt to distort facts. Iranian officials reiterated that the country's nuclear programme is peaceful and maintained that Iran has the right to pursue nuclear activities under international regulations.

Tehran also argued that its nuclear programme should not be viewed as a...