TEHRAN - Iran is considering exporting its nuclear technology, Atomic Energy Organization Chief Fereidoun Abbasi was quoted as saying by the local Mehr news agency on Monday.

"We are in the process of decision-making and exploring ways to become more self-sufficient and to export nuclear equipment," the report quoted Abbasi as saying.

"In recent years, significant advances in many areas of technology, including nuclear technology, have been made in the country," he said, adding that this has made Iran capable of exporting its nuclear know-how.

Tehran has repeatedly insisted on the "peaceful" aspects of its nuclear program. However, the United States and its western allies worry that Iran would use the uranium enrichment to produce nuclear weapons.

Recent tension between Iran and the West over its sensitive nuclear program has raised concerns that the United States and Israel may consider a possible military strike on Iran's nuclear sites, which Iranian officials and experts have described as "folly."

This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to release a report on Iran's nuclear program, which is likely to hint at Iran's engagement in nuclear weapons work despite UN sanctions.