Iran ready to cooperate with IAEA?

VIENNA, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Iran has agreed to new terms of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog investigating Tehran's nuclear program.

"We managed to come to an agreement to set a new framework for deeper cooperation for the future," Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, told reporters after a Tuesday meeting with IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei. "Details will be revealed at the proper time. We hope we will be witnessing in the future improved cooperation. We think the international environment is also very conducive vis-a-vis this issue."

But Salehi also said that Tehran would not give up enrichment or allow for a more thorough inspection by the IAEA -- so observers are careful not to read too much into his overall remarks. They were made at the IAEA's General Conference, which is held each year and touches on issues such as non-proliferation, nuclear safety and nuclear security.

Iranian leaders earlier this week agreed to meet with representatives from the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany on Oct. 1 for informal talks -- the first between Iran and the six powers in more than a year.

"We have always stated that we are in for dialogue," Salehi said.

But Tehran said the talks would focus on disarmament and security, and not on Iran's controversial nuclear program. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu nevertheless says the meeting is "an important first step."

The West believes Iran is using a civilian nuclear energy program as a scapegoat to build nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran vehemently denies. For refusing to end uranium enrichment activities, Iran is under U.N. sanctions, and the U.N. Security Council has threatened to pass more.

Israel is highly nervous about the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran. It has previously threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities.

Salehi, in comments to Iran's state TV channel IRINN, said Tehran was ready to counter those threats.

"Iran has been continuously threatened with attacks on its nuclear facilities. ... Tehran is confident of its capacities to defend itself," he said.

The conference in Vienna also saw the formal endorsement of the IAEA's new director general, Yukiya Amano of Japan. He is due to replace incumbent Mohammed ElBaradei, who steps down on Dec. 1 after 12 years in office.