Iran government reiterates conviction to resolve nuclear issue

Tehran has renewed desire to clarify and resolve its disputed nuclear plans through negotiations, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said on Monday. Addressing a general conference at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali Akbar Salehi stressed Iran's new government was ready to sit down with other sides to put an end to doubts surrounding its nuclear plans through mutual goodwill. In his statement, Salehi said Iran was optimistic about the latest round of talks with international partners scheduled for Sept. 27, adding Iran would never give up its right to develop a peaceful nuclear program. Ten rounds of previous talks between the west and Iran have failed to make substantial progress in the past two years. Western states have long accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of Tehran's nuclear power plans -- an allegation Iran strongly denies and has repeatedly dismissed.