Annan urges more talks over Iran nuclear dispute

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.

On the heels of his difficult visit to Tehran, Annan said the UN Security Council was trying to avoid a confrontation “which will not be in Iran’s favour or that of the region.”