Asked about his reaction on Washington's allegations that Iran was a nuclear military threat to the rest of the world, Brzezinski responded, "These are only irrational and paranoid slogans."

"Iran by itself is not a notoriously aggressive country. If we really want Iran to take our concern serious, we also have to show understanding," the ex-US official added.

Brzezinski urged Washington "to begin a dialogue" with Tehran on "joint security interests".

He stressed Iran was an "important country in a crisis region surrounded by nuclear powers".

The Polish-born Brzezinski was national security advisor during the Jimmy Carter administration (1977-181).