TEHRAN, Oct 8: Iran insisted on Sunday that it would not suspend sensitive atomic work despite signs that world powers were close to agreeing on sanctions against Tehran.
“We believe that suspension is totally rejected and is unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said.
Some media reports had suggested Iran may be prepared to freeze atomic fuel manufacturing work for 90 days to allow direct negotiations with the United States and other major world powers to take place.
But Mr Hosseini dismissed the reports. “It (the temporary suspension) has never been part of our policy and it will not be part of it.”
Iran says its nuclear programme will be used only for peaceful purposes and not, as the United States alleges, to make atomic weapons.
Iran says it wants to master uranium enrichment to make nuclear reactor fuel for electricity generation. But the same process can also be used to make bomb-grade fuel.
“Using the language of threats and force against Iran will have no results,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by Iran’s Fars News Agency as saying.
“Iran is interested in dialogue and talks to resolve its nuclear issue,” the president said.
Western diplomats say Iran has been pushing for more talks as a stalling tactic, in order to avoid taking action.
While Washington, backed by Britain, is lobbying hard for sanctions, Russia and China have opposed this route and emphasised dialogue over punishment.
Political directors from the six powers are due to hold talks again on Tuesday or Wednesday. —Reuters
