Iran open to US talks on nuclear program

Tehran is willing to consider talks with the United States over Iran's controversial nuclear activities, despite non-existent diplomatic relations between the two countries, state media says.

"On the specific topic of the nuclear program, Iran is ready to enter into negotiations with the US to prove the civilian nature of the nuclear program," Mahmud Vaezi, deputy head of a studies institute affiliated to the foreign ministry, was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency.

Amid tough US anti-Iranian rhetoric, the official stressed that Iran made it clear that "normalisation of relations with the United States depends on a tangible shift in the US attitude toward Iran". The United States has repeatedly accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under cover of its alleged civilian activities.

Speaking in Brussels, US President George W Bush said the idea that Washington was preparing to attack Iran was "ridiculous", but that "all options are on the table". Britain, France and Germany are leading diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear enrichment program in return for a package of political and economic benefits.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200502/s1308863.htm

Neither side gave an inch here!

:wtf: