Iranian FM says nuclear agreement with West could be reached,

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi on Monday voiced optimism in an interview with the Hamburg-based weekly news magazine Der Spiegel that a nuclear agreement with West could be reached, provided Iran's right to enrich uranium is recognized, IRNA reported.

Salehi reiterated he was upbeat that the ongoing nuclear dispute could be resolved, if the west would acknowledge Tehran's right to enrich.

'If our right to enrichment is recognized, we are prepared to offer an exchange. We would voluntarily limit the extent of our enrichment program, but in return we would need a guaranteed supply of the relevant fuels from abroad,' Iran's chief diplomat was quoted saying.

Salehi insisted on his country's right to enrich uranium for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying that there was 'no proof' Iran was pursuing nuclear research for military purposes.

He made clear Tehran was unfazed by the western threats to impose new sanctions on his country, labeling it 'no big deal'.

'The sanctions create inconveniences. For over 30 years now, we have been living with boycott measures that ultimately make us independent and strong,' Salehi said.

'Iranian society is used to living with hardships -- perhaps more so than people in Spain and Greece. We can count on the patience of our people,' he added.

Meanwhile, Salehi dismissed Israel's military threats against Iran, saying his country was ready to defend itself in case of an attack. 'We don't want war, but we will defend ourselves. Aggressors will pay a high price,' he stressed.


/Trend/