Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his government is ready to hold talks with world powers on a range of issues, but not its controversial nuclear program.
On Sunday, official Iranian media quoted Mr. Ahmadinejad as saying Iran is ready to talk about "international cooperation and resolving global economic and security problems." But the Iranian president again said that possessing peaceful nuclear technology is Iran's "legal and definitive right, and it will not hold discussions about its undeniable rights."
Obama administration officials have said they will focus on the nuclear program in upcoming talks with Iran, despite its refusal to discuss the subject.
Western nations accuse Iran of enriching uranium in order to produce a nuclear weapon. Tehran insists the program is only for peaceful purposes.
The U.N. Security Council has imposed three sets of sanctions on Iran for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment.
On Saturday, Iran's foreign minister dismissed international threats of further sanctions, saying the West has four years of "failed experience" when it comes to sanctions against Iran.
Last week, the United States and other world powers accepted Iran's new offer to hold talks, even though Tehran said it will not negotiate on its nuclear program. The U.S. State Department said the proposals were "disappointing" for bypassing Iran's nuclear program, but that they represent a chance for serious talks.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
