Iran Says It Plans New Nuclear Offer

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran said Wednesday that he was preparing a new proposal to resolve disputes with the West over Iran’s nuclear program, opening the door to talks with the United States, the official I.R.N.A. news agency reported.
Mr. Ahmadinejad said during a speech in the southeastern city of Kerman that Iran was still in the process of preparing the new package and it would be presented when it was ready, I.R.N.A. reported. He also said that Iran was willing to hold talks with the United States as long they were based on respect. “They have said they want to resolve issues through diplomatic channels and we say that this is excellent,” he was quoted as saying. “Our people favor logic, dialogue and constructive cooperation based on respect, justice and rights of nations.”

Mr. Ahmadinejad did not elaborate on the contents of the proposal or when it would be ready. He had previously referred to the new proposal, without revealing details, last week during celebrations of the country’s nuclear achievements.

The Iranian leader warned during his speech on Wednesday that Washington should adopt a respectful tone towards Iran. “The Iranian nation might forget the past and start a new era,” he said, in what appeared to be a reference to Iran’s accusations that United States has meddled in its affairs in the past.

“But their response would be like the one given to Mr. Bush if anyone tries to speak to them from a position of arrogance,” he added, referring to relations with the previous American administration.

Breaking with the past policy of shunning direct talks with Tehran, Washington last week said that it would join discussions with Iran on its disputed nuclear program. Those talks would include Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China.