United States and some of its Western allies believe Iran is using its civilian nuclear program as cover to develop atomic weapons, which Tehran pledged to do under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1970.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who says its nuclear program is for generating electricity, not bombs, has requested a visa to attend the treaty review conference that begins Monday at the UN.

The purpose of the meeting, which occurs once every five years, is that the nations renew their commitment to the treaty”s three pillars: disarmament, nonproliferation and the peaceful use of civil nuclear energy, said Clinton at a news conference.

“The mission of those of us who go to New York to review, modify and strengthen the NPT system is very clear. If that is not its mission , then there will be a particularly useful or productive trip for you, “he said.

Clinton said he did not know why Ahmadinejad wanted to attend the conference, saying that the registration of violating Iran NPT was “absolutely indisputable.

” If President Ahmadinejad wants to come and announce that Iran comply with its nonproliferation requirements under the NPT, that would be very good news and would welcome that, “he said.

” But if he believes that may go some way to divert attention from this most important global effort or cause confusion that could possibly doubt that Iran has (…) been doing then I do not think that has a particularly receptive audience, “he said.

A State Department spokesman said that requests for visas for the Iranian delegation were still being processed. As host of the UN, the United States often grant visas to foreign leaders who wish to attend UN events.

(Editing by Steve Addison Spanish /Patricia Avila)