The United States and Iran have confirmed the exchange of letters between new President Hassan Rouhani and President Obama. The Iranian Foreign Ministry says Obama initiated the exchange to congratulate Rouhani on his election victory in June. In a rare interview to an American broadcaster, Rouhani told NBC News he thought Obama’s letter was “positive and constructive.” Rouhani also vowed Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, and is committed to reaching a diplomatic solution.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani: “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 its nuclear program, this government enters with full power and has complete authority. I have given the nuclear negotiations portfolio to the Foreign Ministry. The problem won’t be from our side. We have sufficient political latitude to solve this problem.”