"It is a positive step, a step forward," Ahmadinejad said of the shock report, which contradicted previous White House assertions on the Iranian nuclear programme.

"If they take one or two more such steps the issues will be totally changed and... the way will be paved for the resolution of regional and bilateral issues," he told a news conference.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) published last week said Iran had halted a nuclear weapons programme in 2003, whereas the White House had previously accused Tehran of harbouring an active atomic weapons drive.

The Iranian president called repeatedly in the marathon two-hour news conference for the NIE had to be followed by other "positive steps" from the United States, a contrast from his usual fiery invective against Washington.

Last week, he had declared the report a "great victory" for the Islamic republic and said it was the "final blow" for the hopes of world powers over the Iranian nuclear drive.

The report "provides a good opportunity. It needs to be exploited correctly," Ahmadinejad told the news conference.

However he cautioned against expecting further steps from the United States, saying Washington needed to make the unlikely moves of a major reversal in its Middle East policy and declaring the Iranian nuclear crisis over.

"Let us not get into a hurry. Let them (the Americans) follow the step they have taken. One of the steps that need to be taken is a major change in the regional situation," Ahmadinejad said.

"They need to respect the rights of the countries in the region. If this happens, you will be able to see the results."

Pressed over what further steps the United States could take, Ahmadinejad replied: "A second step could be on the nuclear issue. They could say that the issue has been finished.

"The nuclear issue is not the only question between us and the United States. There are many questions that have to be considered," he cautioned.

The two foes have had no diplomatic relations since 1980 when Washington cut ties during the 444-day siege of the US embassy in Tehran by Islamist students in the wake of the Islamic revolution.

Exchanges since then have been marked by rivalry and acrimony. But despite mounting tensions, Iran and the United States have already held three rounds of talks this year over the security situation in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad also reaffirmed the rejection by other Iranian officials of the US report's assertion that Tehran had been working to develop a nuclear programme before 2003.

"We do not say that in the report there is no problem and there is no imprecision or error. We welcomed the report favourably as a whole and it is a step forward."

The NIE said US allegations about Iran's atomic goals had been overblown for at least two years, although it said the Islamic republic could have the capability to make a nuclear weapon by 2015.

Ahmadinejad reaffirmed his past insistence that the issue of Iran's nuclear programme had been closed by its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"The main body of the problem has been resolved. There are no ambiguities and the ground has been set for cooperation on different issues," he said.

He indicated that there would be no let-up in the nuclear programme in the years to come, saying that Iran wanted to install 50,000 uranium-enriching centrifuges within the next five years.

"We need to work at the same rhythm for four to five years to have the fuel for a power station. We will continue on this path," Ahmadinejad said.

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