French president Jacques Chirac has said that his comments about a nuclear Iran were "oversimplified" and in no way does he support the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic.

The denial comes in the back of comments made by Chirac in an interview given to American newspaper New York Times, International Herald Tribune and the French magazine the Nouvel Observateur. In the interview, Chirac stated that the situation will not be dangerous even if Tehran manages to build one or two nuclear bombs. The main danger, according to Chirac, will be if Iran indulges in nuclear proliferation.

The interview came in direct contrast to the European Union's policy towards Iran. The EU has steadfastly maintained a policy of pressurizing Iran to drop the nuclear programme, providing various alternatives. However, and more importantly, the incident once again puts question mark against Chirac's health.

Ever since he underwent a treatment for a blood vessel problem which affected his vision, in 2005, Chirac has been accused to struggling with his ability to concentrate fully. This incident will further fuel speculation, more so after he admitted that he was not paying attention to what he was saying during the interview.