UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today urged more talks to resolve Iran’s nuclear stand-off with the West even as Tehran’s hard-line leadership said it was pleased with his visit and recent European overtures and accused the United States of sabotaging diplomatic efforts.

Iran would not suspend uranium enrichment to facilitate negotiations with the world over the incentives package, a government spokesman said today.

Iran has conducted research into nuclear fusion, an Iranian nuclear official said today as the country signalled its determination to proceed with its nuclear programme despite the gathering international opposition.

IRAN will only consider a compromise offer from Russia on its nuclear programme if the deal acknowledges its right to enrich uranium on Iranian soil, a government has said.