Iran says 'no' to total cease of nuclear acts

"We would be willing to consider any package that recognises the full right of Iran to enjoy peaceful nuclear technology within the framework of the NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty)," Hossein Mousavian, a senior national security official involved in the nuclear negotiations, said in an interview.

"But Iran is not prepared for cessation. Any package including a cessation of fuel cycle work would be rejected by Iran," he added.

Mousavian said Iran expected the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to recognise its right under the NPT to possess the full nuclear fuel cycle.

If this were the case, he said the Islamic republic was ready to consider extending its suspension of uranium enrichment and discuss new initiatives that would provide long-term guarantees that the process would never be diverted to military purposes.

His comments came after Britain, France and Germany -- who have been spearheading negotiations with Iran -- told the United States they will in the coming days offer Iran incentives to persuade it to halt uranium enrichment activities.

The so-called "EU Three" will offer the package of inducements as a November 25 deadline looms for Iran to comply with IAEA demands to suspend uranium enrichment and come clean about its nuclear ambitions or be referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

Diplomats say the package would give Iran access to imported nuclear fuel and other perks in return for a total suspension of its own work on the nuclear fuel cycle.