IRAN Tehran defies U.S., EU

The Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected Bush's cooperation with European negotiators.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)-- Neither threats nor incentives will alter Iran's pursuit of its nuclear program, the Iranian foreign ministry said Saturday, defying new moves by the European Union and the United States to ensure Tehran never develops a nuclear bomb.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi rejected overtures from the West, saying Iran would not be influenced by external pressure. Iran maintains its nuclear program is solely for the peaceful pursuit of nuclear energy.
"Iran is determined to use peaceful nuclear technology and no pressure, incentive or threat can force Iran to give up its rights," state-run radio quoted Asefi as saying.
The show of bluster and defiance came a day after the Bush administration softened its stance on how to thwart Iran's suspected nuclear arms program, agreeing to support a European plan that offers economic incentives for the Tehran government to give up any weapons ambitions.
Washington also agreed to drop its opposition to Iran's membership of the World Trade Organization and allow some sale of spare parts for civilian aircraft. But Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signaled that Iran should move quickly or face the threat of harsh United Nations Security Council sanctions.
Asefi rejected Washington's move.
"Lifting some restrictions against Iran will not stop Iran from pursuing its rights," Asefi said.