Iran's president says Tehran will never abandon its nuclear activities, but will continue talks, for now, on its nuclear program with the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In an interview with a French newspaper, Le Figaro, President Mohammed Khatami said Iran is ready to consider any reasonable solution, but will not suspend its nuclear activities permanently.
He said the Europeans must understand that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other international agreements allow Iran to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
France, Germany and Britain, with U.S. support, are offering Iran economic incentives in exchange for its suspension of uranium enrichment activity.
The enrichment process, which makes fuel for civilian reactors, can also be used to make weapons grade material.
The United States accuses Iran of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.