TEHRAN, Feb 8: Iran's top national security official has warned the United States that the country's controversial nuclear programme cannot be destroyed by air or missile strikes, state television reported on Tuesday.

Hassan Rowhani said such an attack would only push Iran's nuclear activities underground, and added that he would prefer to see tensions with the United States resolved by dialogue.

"Our nuclear centres cannot be destroyed. Our nuclear technology comes from our scientists (and) we can transfer our nuclear workshops under mountains and carry out enrichment where no bomb or missile can be effective," said the official.

"The United States will not gain anything from a military attack. I do not see a military attack as a serious threat," added Mr Rowhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

He insisted that Iran was "not looking for increased tensions with any country, even with the Americans."

"We are seeking to resolve our issues with the US. But they are blocking any chance of resolving the issues," he told state television.-AFP