Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad greeted Britain’s new ambassador in Tehran with word that the Islamic government is ready to talk about global security issues with the rest of the world. But he excluded the one big issue the major powers want to discuss — Iran’s ongoing nuclear program. J.C.

The BBC:

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said Iran is ready to discuss global issues with world powers, but that its nuclear programme is non-negotiable.

Speaking to the new UK envoy in Tehran, Mr Ahmadinejad asserted his country’s right to “peaceful nuclear technology”.

Earlier this week, responding to an offer of international discussions by Iran, the US said it planned to bring up the nuclear issue during any talks.

The Iranian government has rejected UN calls to suspend uranium enrichment.

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