Iran sees no need of US participation in nuclear talks

A top Iranian nuclear negotiator said on Saturday that Iran saw no need for the United States to participate in the talks over Iran's disputed nuclear program despite Washington's support for Europe's diplomatic efforts to find a solution.

"Washington seems lately to be taking a more down-to-earth approach towards Iran's nuclear program, closer to that of the Europeans," Sirous Nasseri said in an interview with the official IRNA news agency.

However, Nasseri played down US engagement in the talks between Tehran and the three EU member states including Britain, France and Germany who are trying to persuade Tehran to give up uranium enrichment in return for economic incentives.

"I personally do not see any need for the presence of the Americans at the negotiations and even don't believe it could be helpful," Nasseri said.

He indicated that the US seemed to have started abandoning its threats against Iran, realizing the country's weight in the Middle East.

Washington has accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons covertly and threatened to refer Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council if diplomacy failed to stop Tehran's nuclear ambition.

Iran has denied the US charge and defended its right to developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.