WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday night called on Iran to show its willingness to pursue a peaceful nuclear program, while urging the US public and the Congress to get behind efforts to reduce nuclear weapons worldwide.

Speaking at a Washington gala held by the Ploughshares Fund, which supports initiatives that prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, Kerry said he was tasked by President Barack Obama to test if Iran is willing to pursue a peaceful nuclear program, after the administration of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signaled such willingness.

However, Kerry said Iran must demonstrate such willingness with action, and action must be real and verifiable, as "words cannot replace real action."

During his remarks, Kerry also urged the US public and the Congress to get behind efforts to reduce nuclear weapons worldwide.

Iranian negotiators on Monday kicked off talks with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna over inspection framework, raising hope for progress in the direction of allowing access of international inspectors into Iran's nuclear sites.