Iran agrees to restart nuclear talks later this month

NEW DELHI (AP) — Iran’s top nuclear negotiator said Friday his country has agreed in principle to resume international talks on its nuclear program later this month, although a place and date for the negotiations have not been finalized.

Iran has been hit by punitive sanctions imposed by Western countries concerned that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The last round of talks between Tehran and six world powers broke off in June in Moscow in a stalemate.

Saeed Jalili told reporters in New Delhi that his government has agreed to a new round of talks this month.

“We have accepted that these talks should be held in January … but till now the details have not been finalized,” he said.

The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, along with Germany, have been trying to persuade Iran to return to the negotiating table.

Jalili was in New Delhi for meetings with Indian officials.