Iran discusses "serious" nuclear ideas with Russia

By Parisa Hafezi

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran on Monday discussed with Russia proposals it has drawn up to defuse a nuclear row with the West, which accuses the Islamic Republic of seeking to build an atomic bomb.

Iran said earlier this month it would unveil ideas that would help end the dispute over its nuclear ambitions, which have prompted three rounds of U.N. sanctions since 2006 for its refusal to heed U.N. demands to halt sensitive atomic work.

"Iran ... has serious proposals regarding the nuclear issue, about what to do to minimise the nuclear threat around the world," Jalili said without giving details of the package.

The proposals were discussed with Valentin Sobolev, acting secretary of Russia's National Security Council, an Iranian official said. Further talks would be held on Tuesday, he added.

Jalili said the proposals covered "various important international issues" that would make a "basis for talks among influential and major powers and Iran as a major power in the region can play an important role."

He did not give specifics but said the proposals included security and political affairs.

Sobolev, speaking through an interpreter at a joint news conference with Jalili, said he had discussed the nuclear issue, as well as technical and military cooperation.

"Iran's activities are peaceful and not a threat against any country," the Russian said.