Iran must prove its nuclear programme is peaceful: Barack Obama

The United States is open to diplomacy with Iran but the Islamic Republic must prove that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, US president Barack Obama told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

"The United States and the international community seek a resolution to our differences with Iran, and the door remains open to diplomacy should Iran choose to walk through it," Obama told the annual gathering of world leaders.

"But the Iranian government must demonstrate a clear and credible commitment, and confirm to the world the peaceful intent of its nuclear program," he said.