Transcript: Interview with Iran's Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN, Iran - NBC News’ Ann Curry interviewed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the presidential compound in Tehran on Thursday.

In a wide-ranging interview, Ahmadinejad responded to questions about Iran’s nuclear program, the legitimacy of the recent election and allegations that opposition supporters were tortured in prison.

The Iranian leader’s words were translated from Farsi. Read the extended transcript below.

NBC News’ Ann Curry: Mr. President, you are speaking to us at a critical moment. Iran has now agreed to negotiate in what could lead to the first significant talks between Iran and the United States in nearly 30 years. What do you want from the United States?  Above all else?

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, a prayer for the arrival of the 12th Imam.  Well, let me start by expressing my warm regards to the people of the U.S. and for them – and for all peoples I pray for further success and welfare. As you said, the world is on the threshold of major developments, a period has ended, another period has started. And relations which have prevailed around the world for 60 years have come to an end. And today a new arrangement should be put in place, based on new principles so that the world is directed towards peace and tranquility.

We have always believed in talking, in negotiating, in – that is our logic. Nothing has changed.  And as far as we're concerned, nothing has changed.  But whatever happens, I very much hope that it will benefit the peoples around the world.  And it will benefit fraternal love and peace and happiness.

Curry: You seem to believe that President Obama is someone you can deal with. What are your personal impressions? Your personal feelings about the American President?

Ahmadinejad: Of course. When we talk about a deal with regards to international relations, I don't subscribe to that particular word.  We think that – oppression and accord is a better word in place of a new deal.  Peace and security and friendship.  These are principles which cannot happen without sincere cooperation. Everyone should enter into a sincere cooperation.  And work together.

Mr. Obama came into office with the slogan of change. And we have welcomed that slogan.  And the people of the U.S. also welcomed that slogan. We think that the world and U.S. policies need to fundamentally and seriously change. We have also announced that if serious change happens, we welcome that. And we will help to bring such a change about.  I think Mr. Obama is a person.

If the gentleman decides to bring such a change about, of course, he will be met with weighty challenges. But some of what he has announced, the gentleman can bring about.  In the eight or nine months from the time wherein the gentleman has come into office, has become the President, we have seen some changes – in the political language, the words that are being used.  And some – every day issues – well, in their own particular situation, they are important.  But – but they do not play a fateful role in international relations. I very much hope that the gentleman will move towards fundamental changes. And we are waiting for such changes to come about.

Curry: President Obama speaks of wanting to make the world safer. And in this regard, he and some other nations are hoping that you will change your mind and speak about your nuclear program. You have said that's off the table. Iran will not speak about its nuclear program. If that is true, then what will you speak about?  What will you be negotiating over? Given that this is the number one issue, this worry about the safety of the world?

Ahmadinejad: We think for one or two countries to think that they own the world and they are the ones that make the major global decisions and others should follow. That period has come to an end.  International security will only happen with real popular participation by all nations.  We are very much against the conflict, occupation, and the expansion of the fabrication of different weapons.

We think that the parties that are producing and do have – atomic, biological, chemical weapons, they need to be disarmed, whoever they are. And those who have more bombs should be disarmed sooner. Having said that, there are economic and political issues to deal with. Today the world is facing major economic challenges, cultural challenges and others. These can only be resolved with cooperation and accord.  But for a state to think that it is the sole maker of decisions and others should follow in its footsteps, that is wrong, they are mistaken.

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