Iran to continue uranium enrichment work

Three European states (Britain, France and Germany) are considering incentives for Iran in the economic and nuclear spheres in return for Tehran's consent to halt uranium enrichment.

Asefi said Iran would not give up its position and would not suspend uranium enrichment work, RIA Novosti reports.

The United States and other Western nations accuse Iran of carrying out its nuclear program as a cover for the production of weapons but Iran insists its program is meant for peaceful purposes.

The U.S., France and Britain are pressing for a new binding UN Security Council resolution to get Iran to abandon its controversial nuclear program. Russia and China say the issue should be resolved through diplomacy.

Asefi also said Iran would respond to the Europeans' latest proposal after the Islamic Republic received it officially.