30 days to clear up, Iran talks tough

“We have readied ourselves to deal with different conditions,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters in Geneva. “Of course we have pooled our resources and we are stressing a diplomatic activity. We must prepare for a solution which is based on an agreement.” As far as economic matters are

concerned, we have expanded our capacity,” he added.

Western countries have refused to rule out sanctions against Iran and US officials have said the threat of military action must also remain on the table. “There are two options before us, hopefully leading to a resolution of the whole issue. One is the route of negotiations,” Mottaki said. “Another will complicated matters.”

Meanwhile, Iran will hold talks with the US over the future of Iraq despite the United Nations Security Council demand, said Mottaki. But he added any talks with Washington, however, would not extend beyond the question of Iraq.

When addressing the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament earlier on Thursday, Mottaki blasted the US, saying it had caused “the most heinous crimes” by using nuclear weapons.

He said Iran supported measures to strengthen democracy in Iraq, even if Tehran had “misgivings” over the US role in the region.

UN demand for curbs shows Tehran’s isolation: Rice

BERLIN: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a UN demand for curbs on Iran’s nuclear work showed Tehran’s isolation and said on Thursday’s big-power talks should also cover ‘‘broader concerns’’ over its behaviour. Speaking to reporters en route to Berlin, where the five permanent members of the UNSC and Germany will discuss what to do next about Iran, Rice said the UN on Wednesday sent an important message to Tehran.