JAKARTA - Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh insists his country wants to reach a "peace" nuclear deal with the United States to resolve decades-old disputes, but will not sacrifice its national security.
The United States, its allies in Europe, and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program as a cover to try to develop weapons production capabilities. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
In 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."
Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh said Washington sent a countered message to Tehran regarding nuclear negotiations through a third country.
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 major Iranian nuclear sites.
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 negotiations with the United States at risk.
"I was surprised not to want a nuclear bomb and ready to convince the world about it. We are very proud of our domestic nuclear program," said Khatibzadeh.
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