TEHRAN: On Sunday, Iran's supreme leader urged for the development of renewable and clean energy resources in the country, such as civilian nuclear energy, to replace fossil fuels.

According to reports citing the leader's official website, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the statements after planting trees to commemorate Iran's National Arbor Day and Natural Resources Week.

Non-fossil fuel development, such as nuclear energy, is a developing trend around the world, according to the leader, who added that regional countries are also working toward the aim.He asked the Energy Ministry and other related organisations to pay close attention to the development of renewable energy resources like as solar and wind power, which are more environmentally friendly, and urged them to play their duties in this respect.

Arbor Day, which this year came on March 6, is a day when Iranian government, people, clubs, and environmental activists plant trees and encourage others to do the same.

Iran claims to have been developing a peaceful nuclear programme for several years, focusing on energy generation and medical purposes. Iran's attempts have been thwarted by sanctions imposed by the US and other countries, which accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran has disputed these allegations on numerous occasions, maintaining that it has no plans to use nuclear power for military purposes.

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