Iran is ready for talks with world powers, rejects any deadline

TEHRAN, Iran — President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran is ready to hold talks with the world powers over global challenges including its nuclear program. Ahmadinejad said Monday Iran will initially present its package of proposals to the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany.

He didn’t give a timeframe but reports have indicated that Iran may do so this week.

Western powers have given Iran until the end of September to agree to talks on its nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad said setting deadlines for talks is “incompatible” with the needs of the world today.

The U.S. and some of its allies accuse Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has denied the charges.