Special Report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, 350 km (217 miles) south of Tehran, April 8, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    TEHRAN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear program with any country but will not yield to pressure and give up its legitimate rights to nuclear technology, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a televiewed speech on Wednesday.

    "Iran is in favor of talks to resolve the (nuclear) issue with any of you (countries). We will slap those who want Iran to abandon its rights (to nuclear technology) on the mouth," Ahmadinejad said in the televised address in the western city of Hamedan.

    Ahmadinejad had said that Iran would only discuss its nuclear issue with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

    The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied the charges, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.