Iran welcomes nuclear program talks

TEHRAN, Iran – A breakthrough in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program is possible, the republic’s president told the U.N. chief Saturday while welcoming unconditional talks with all parties, including the United States.

However, a U.S. offer for negotiations is conditioned on Iran suspending its enrichment of uranium and related activities and allowing inspections to prove it.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said a settlement could take place as long as the International Atomic Energy Agency preserved Tehran’s right to use atomic energy, Iran’s state-run television reported.

“A breakthrough to overcome world problems, including Iran’s nuclear case, would be the equal implementation of the law for all,” state TV quoted Ahmadinejad as telling U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a phone conversation.

The U.S. and other nations suspect Iran’s nuclear program is intended to produce weapons.