Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili on Friday welcomed a proposal by the EU foreign affairs chief for a new round of talks next month, saying dialogue was the "only option" for the major powers.
"Iran welcomes the return to negotiations," Jalili told state television.
"The costly and fruitless process of the past should serve as a lesson (for the major powers) to respect the Iranian nation… and understand that dialogue and cooperation are the only option possible and an opportunity for them."
EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, who represents world powers in the nuclear dialogue with Iran, on Thursday proposed a new round of meetings in Vienna next month.
"We have always said that dialogue on cooperation with the Islamic republic of Iran is the only option," said Jalili.
"Iran's capabilities and privileged position on the international and regional fronts cannot be denied and show that any other option (than dialogue) is a mistake and will not produce results," he said.
The major powers have "experienced this over the past 30 years and could have avoided the same experience over the past year," said the nuclear negotiator, referring to the UN sanctions slapped on Tehran.
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