The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Tehran

Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear issue with any country but will not yield to international pressure to halt the atomic work, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a speech on Wednesday.

"The Iranian nation 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 right (to nuclear technology) on the mouth," Ahmadinejad said in a televised address in the western city of Hamedan. Ahmadinejad had earlier ruled out any talks with the West over its disputed nuclear program, saying Iran will only discuss the issue with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.