The United Nations secretary general on Thursday highlighted Iran's position in the region, saying the country has the capacity to "play a constructive role in addressing regional crises."
Ban Ki-moon made the remarks in a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in New York.
The latest developments in the region, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, were discussed in the meeting. The two officials also exchanged views on the growing threat of terrorism and extremism.
They reviewed the current state of nuclear talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, which are known as the P5+1.
Ban, for his part, touched on the measures taken by the UN in various regions, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Lebanon, to combat terrorism and extremism, IRNA reported.
Zarif referred to Iran's strong will and good intention to reach a settlement to the dispute over its nuclear program in its talks with the major powers and said, "We feel optimistic to reach a comprehensive agreement and believe it is possible."
The foreign minister also briefed the UN chief on Iran's measures to help promote stability and security in the region, improve relations with its neighbors, and boost cooperation with the new government in Iraq.
"Iran is committed to help reinforce the security in the region and boost ties with its neighbors," Zarif said.
He also stressed Iran's firm resolve to improve the situation in the region and to fight against terrorists.
Elsewhere, he referred to the recent UN secretary general's annual report to the General Assembly on the human rights situation in Iran and said the report has not taken account of measures taken by the new government.
He said "positive" and "unique" developments have occurred in Iran regarding human rights compared to what is really happening in some regional countries, adding the report was "politically motivated".
Giving such a report about Iran is "unacceptable" and indicative of a continued politicized and double-standard approach toward the issue of human rights, he said.
He added, "Iran feels completely responsible to improve human rights situation and has plans in this relation on the agenda."
