Iran's top nuclear negotiator has called for other countries to join the three European nations engaged in talks with Tehran about its nuclear program.

Ali Larijani

Iranian state television quotes Ali Larijani as saying questions have been raised in Iran as to why the talks are being conducted with just Britain, Germany and France.

He said Iran would welcome negotiations with other members of the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors and members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Iran's talks with Europe appeared close to collapse this week when the European nations canceled an August 31 meeting. But both sides have expressed a willingness to continue.

The European powers are trying to persuade Iran to give up parts of its nuclear program that could be used to produce nuclear weapons.

Iran insists it has a right to the technology, and asserts that its nuclear program is peaceful.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.