Iran's UN Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee, 3 Mar 2008 (file photo)

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has assured Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that Iran will cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the nation's nuclear program.

Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee made the remark at a meeting with Mr. Ban during which he personally delivered a letter from Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

In it, Mottaki criticizes the latest Security Council sanctions on Iran for its refusal to stop enriching uranium, a process that can be used to make nuclear weapons.

Iran says its nuclear technology is intended for peaceful purposes.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the newest U.N. resolution, which tightens existing sanctions on trade, travel and Iran's foreign assets, is invalid and lacks legal credibility.