Iran willing to end stand-off with UN nuclear watchdog

DUBAI - Iran is willing to end an impasse over a range of issues with the UN nuclear agency on its atomic programme, but it will not succumb to pressure, its foreign minister said after meeting the watchdog's chief in Tehran on Nov 14.

"The ball is in the EU/E3 court," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, referring to France, Britain and Germany - which represent the West alongside the US at nuclear talks.

The social media post followed the minister's talks with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi.

"Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights, but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation," said Mr Araghchi.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would send a message to the three European powers through Mr Grossi about Tehran's seriousness to resolve its nuclear stand-off, while stressing that any pressure on Tehran would have the opposite effect.