(CNN) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed Wednesday that his country will never develop nuclear weapons, telling NBC News that he is open to diplomatically resolving issues surrounding his country's controversial nuclear program. "We have never pursued or sought a nuclear bomb and we are not going to do so," Rouhani said. Later, he added, "We have time and again said that, under no circumstances, would we seek any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. Nor will we ever." In an interview with NBC's Ann Curry, Rouhani said that -- even with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a looming presence in Iranian society -- he has "full power and has complete authority" to make a deal with others on nuclear matters.
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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani talks to NBC News about his nation's nuclear program
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Rouhani says his government "has complete authority" to reach a deal with the U.S., others
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He calls a recent exchange of letters with U.S. President Obama as "positive and constructive"
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Considered a moderate, Rouhani was elected president earlier this year
He spoke about getting a letter from U.S. President Barack Obama after his recent election and inauguration, saying the @placeholder president congratulated him and raised certain issues.