Iran backs away from nuke row, offers cooperation

"We will definitely try to cooperate more than before with the IAEA and give them the necessary assurances about Iran's activities," the head of Iran's atomic energy program, Gholamreza Aghazadeh, told a news conference in Tehran.

Iran has faced mounting pressure in recent weeks from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, and the United States over the nature of its nuclear program.

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The IAEA reprimanded Iran on Thursday for repeatedly failing to report nuclear material, facilities and activities as required under its safeguards agreement with the agency.

It urged Iran to remain "transparent" and accept without delay or conditions more intrusive, short-notice inspections.

Taking a conciliatory line, Aghazadeh said Iran was positive and optimistic about reaching an agreement with the IAEA on an additional protocol the UN agency has asked Iran to sign to allow more intrusive nuclear inspections and at short notice.

"We have never said we don't want to sign the Additional Protocol...Our view about the protocol is positive," he said.

"Naturally, the way we will choose is the way of cooperation and reaching an acceptable settlement for both sides."

Asked in Jordan about Aghazadeh's latest comments, IAEA chief Mohammed ElBaradei said he would welcome Iran's cooperation.

"I have lots of confidence that Iran will understand that it is in its best interest to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency," he told Reuters at an economic meeting.