The failure of the six key powers at the UN to levy new sanctions on Iran was hailed on Monday by Iran as a sign of increased rationality in the discussion over its disputed nuclear program. Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters in a press conference that the lack of a decision over new sanctions means that Iran can continue working with the international community to allay concerns over the program.

Iran is ``hopeful and ready to contribute to this rationality so that it will move in the right direction and reach the appropriate results,' he said. Mottaki added that ``we now observe narrow stripes of rationality' by the foreign powers over the nuclear issue. Iran argues that its nuclear program is aimed at creating a peaceful energy network to serve its growing population.

Copyright Associated Press, 2010