Iran's foreign minister says the Islamic republic will examine a new proposal by the world's major powers aimed at easing the crisis over its nuclear program.

Iran's official news agency IRNA, quotes Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki as saying European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is expected to come to Tehran in the next several days to formally present the proposal.

The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany agreed Thursday to offer Iran incentives and new talks, but are insisting that Tehran first suspend uranium enrichment, work that could be also be used to make a nuclear weapon.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said financial and technological incentives are being offered, and penalties can be imposed if Iran rejects the offer.

The United States has not held direct, official talks with Iran since 1979.

The West suspects Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.