Tehran seeks ‘peaceful’ nuclear deal with US without compromising its national security, says Iran’s foreign ministry

Iran wants to reach a “peaceful” nuclear agreement with the United States to resolve a decades-long dispute, but will not compromise its national security, Reuters writes, citing Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh.

Khatibzadeh noted that Washington has been sending contradictory messages to Tehran about the nuclear negotiations through third countries.

“Tehran is not seeking nuclear bombs and … is prepared to assure the world about it. We are very proud of our home-grown nuclear program,” Khatibzadeh said.

The United States, its European allies and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program as a veil for efforts to try to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

In October, President Donald Trump said the United States was prepared to make a deal with Iran when Tehran was ready to do so, adding, “The hand of friendship and cooperation (with Iran) is open.”

Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last say on key state matters, such as foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear program, ruled out negotiations with the United States under threat.