TEHRAN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Tehran would not accept "coercion and the imposition of demands" in nuclear negotiations, as indirect talks with the United States continue under Omani mediation.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with New Zealand's new ambassador, Bethany Madden, according to a statement published on the presidential website.
He reiterated that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and remains open to cooperation to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
Ambassador Madden, for her part, expressed hope that her tenure would help strengthen bilateral ties.
Since April, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of indirect discussions -- three in Muscat and two in Rome -- focused on Tehran's nuclear activities and the potential easing of U.S. sanctions.
Separately, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday that Iran supports dialogue, but one that is "transparent and sincere," according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
She added that Iran is ready for "any scenario" but would remain at the negotiating table as long as its national interests are safeguarded. ■
