Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister: Tehran Is Not Looking For Nuclear Bombs And Is Ready To Convince The World

Iran's uranium enrichment facility. (Source: IRNA)

JAKARTA - Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister said the country was not looking for a nuclear bomb and was ready to convince the world.

Not only that, Saeed Khatibzadeh on Tuesday also said he wanted to reach a peace agreement to resolve the nuclear-related conflict, but would not sacrifice his national security.

Last October, President Donald Trump said the United States was ready to make a deal with Iran when Tehran was ready to do so, adding, "Hands of friendship and cooperation (with Iran) are open," quoted from Reuters on November 11.

Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh said Washington sent Tehran contradictory messages on nuclear negotiations through third countries.

The two countries held five rounds of nuclear negotiations before the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, which Washington followed by attacking Iran's main nuclear site.

Repeating Tehran's view, Khatibzadeh accused Washington of "tractling diplomacy" and nuclear negotiations have stalled since June's war.

Major gaps remain between the two sides, such as the issue of uranium enrichment in Iran, which the United States wants to reduce to zero to minimize the risk of weaponry, a plan Tehran rejects.

Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who made the final decision on important state issues, such as Iran's foreign policy and nuclear program, ruled out possible negotiations with the United States at risk.

"I was surprised not to look for a nuclear bomb and ready to convince the world about it. We are very proud of our domestic nuclear program," said Khatibzadeh.

The United States, its European allies and Israelis have accused Tehran of using its nuclear program as a cover for efforts to develop weapons manufacturing capabilities.

Instead, Iran firmly said its nuclear program was only for peaceful purposes.