Hassan Rowhani

Iran's top nuclear official says his country will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, and that the Middle East could become even more unstable if Tehran is referred to the United Nations Security Council for its nuclear activities.

Speaking at an international nuclear technology conference in Tehran Saturday, Hassan Rowhani said if Iran is brought before the Security Council, it could cause problems for the regional energy market. Iran is the second largest oil producer in OPEC.

Britain, France and Germany are in talks in with Iran, trying to negotiate a permanent end to its uranium enrichment program in exchange for a package of economic incentives.

But Mr. Rowhani complained that talks with the Europeans are moving slowly, and he remained adamant that Iran will never abandon its enrichment activities.