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Iran's foreign ministry spokesman says the standoff over Iran's nuclear program could be resolved quickly should world powers recognize the country's right to master the nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful purposes.

The Tuesday remarks by Ramin Mehmanparast during a press conference in Tehran underscores Iran's push to resume talks with the five permanent U.N. Security Council members plus Germany.

Iran has indicated that it will be willing to negotiate suspension of its highest level of uranium enrichment in return for recognition of its nuclear rights and the lifting of tough Western sanctions that have squeezed its economy.

The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies. Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and says its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable.