Iran rejects nuke talks with the US

The US has said that if Iran accepts the package of incentives offered earlier this month, it would join its EU partners and take part in negotiations with the Tehran government over a framework for its nuclear programme.

The Washington move was seen as a major concession as the US lists Iran as a sponsor of international terrorism and there have been no diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1979, when militants stormed the US Embassy in Tehran and took hostage for 444 days.

The package of incentives seeks to persuade Iran to place a long-term moratorium on uranium enrichment, a process that can produce the material for nuclear warheads.

‘‘We do not negotiate with anybody on achieving and exploiting nuclear technology,’’ the TV quoted Khamenei as saying. ‘‘But if they recognise our nuclear rights, we are ready to negotiate about controls, supervisions and international guarantees.’’

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, said that the West would misuse such a negotiating process to put pressure on the country.