Iran ‘willing to talk with Europe’

IRAN will never again suspend conversion of uranium ore, but it is willing to pursue talks with the European Union about its uranium enrichment program, Tehran officials said last night.

A spokesperson notched up the rhetorical battle, declaring Iranians have the means to defend themselves should US President George W Bush act on his warning that military force could be a final option if Iran doesn’t halt its nuclear program.

The comments came as Iran’s new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, nominated hardliners for all his key ministries.