Describing Iran as an 'important regional player', the new Obama [Images] administration has said it has 'a great deal of respect' for the country and is looking for the 'most appropriate framework' for engaging Tehran over its controversial nuclear programme.

"What we're trying to do with regard to Iran is to figure out the most appropriate framework for engaging the country," State Department spokesperson Robert Wood said.

After coming to power, the Obama Administration has started its review of the Iran policy. The review has not been completed yet.

"So let's just stay tuned and see how that review comes out, and we'll  as I said previous times, we'll have plenty to say about that when the time comes," Wood said.

"We have a great deal of respect for Iran, Iranian people, Iran's culture and history. You know, it's an important regional player," he said on Friday.

As the review is underway, Wood said the US is working to formulate a new policy on Iran.

"With regard to the motives of Iranian leaders and their responses, I just can't give you an answer on that," he said in reply to a question.

The Obama Administration, though, has asserted that a nuclear weapon Iran is unacceptable to it, unlike the previous regime, it has indicated changes in the US policy towards Tehran.

While the military option has not been put off the table, the new Administration has been emphasising on diplomacy as its first and top option.

The Obama administration, in fact, has been very calculative in making comments on Iran, despite continued rhetoric speech from the Iranian leaders that US should tender apology for its alleged war crimes.

"I think it's best to instead focus not on what one of the leaders of Iran might have said, but instead what the President believes: that we must use all elements of our national power to protect our interest as it relates to Iran.

"That includes, as the President talked about in the campaign, diplomacy where possible, and that we have many issues to work through," White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, said on Thursday when asked about such statements coming from Iran.

However, for a dialogue to happen between the two countries, Gibbs said: "In order for this to happen, there has to be some preparation and an understanding and a responsibility by both sides in understanding what's going to be talked about, and the responsibilities that each side has."