From correspondents in Cairo, Egypt, 05:02 PM IST

In a much-anticipated speech to the Muslim world from Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama urged Iran and other countries to abandon their nuclear weapons programmes.

He acknowledged the US role in 'overthrowing a democratically elected government' in Iran.

'But,' Obama continued, 'It is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.'

'I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not,' Obama said.

'No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)