Iran146;s N-programme irreversible: Khamenei

Iran8217;s supreme leader said on Tuesday that Iran8217;s nuclear fuel programme was 8220;irreversible8221;, warning that any retreat by Iran over its nuclear programme will be 8220;breaking the country8217;s independence,8221; even as Russia and Iran held brief talks in Moscow.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also ordered Iran8217;s diplomats abroad to defend the nuclear programme, saying retreat will force Tehran to gradually give up all its foreign policy goals.

8220;The Islamic Republic of Iran considers retreat over the nuclear issue8230; as breaking the country8217;s independence which will impose huge costs on the Iranian nation,8221; said Khamenei.

Russian and Iranian negotiators met briefly in Moscow on Tuesday, Russian news agencies reported. The RIA-Novosti news agency, citing the Iranian agency IRNA, said the talks had ended with both the sides agreed to continue consultations.