Iran says does not need permission for nuclear work

KABUL (Reuters) - Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear programme with any country, but that does not mean it is asking for permission for access to nuclear technology, Iran's foreign minister said on Monday.

Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology was supported by "many countries of the world", Manouchehr Mottaki told a news conference during a one-day visit to the Afghan capital, Kabul.

"We do not accept global nuclear 'apartheid' and scientific 'apartheid'," Mottaki said.

Iran was ready to discuss its programme. "But that does not mean that we are waiting for any country's permission for the right of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic to enjoy nuclear technology," he said.

Iran insists on its right to produce enriched uranium, vital for nuclear power plants or bombs, but swears its goal is solely to fuel an energy-hungry economy.

The United States accuses Iran of trying to produce nuclear weapons. Iran kept its nuclear programme secret for 18 years.

Iranian nuclear negotiators met counterparts from the EU trio of Britain, Germany and France in Vienna last week for the first face-to-face talks for several months to try to overcome suspicions over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Both sides agreed to meet again in January.

Mottaki said Iran's nuclear plans were transparent and solely for peaceful purposes.