Iran, the world"s fourth-biggest oil exporter, is locked in a dispute with the West over its nuclear program, which it says is solely aimed at generating power.

World powers suspect Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

"I don"t see why a country like Iran could not have nuclear as part of its energy mix," IEA Executive Director Claude Mandil told a news conference.

"There is no energy reason why it should be denied nuclear," he said, although he added he understood the West"s concerns.

The IEA, energy adviser to 26 industrialized countries, has been an advocate of nuclear energy as a way to address future needs without polluting the planet.

PIN/REUTERS