Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has renewed an appeal for a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear program. Speaking Thursday in Amsterdam, ElBaradei welcomed the delay in a U.N. Security Council debate on whether to impose sanctions on Tehran. Western governments are seeking a Security Council resolution that would oblige Iran to halt all uranium enrichment work, or face sanctions.
ElBaradei said he hoped both sides will agree on a compromise to ensure that Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear technology. He also called on Iran to initiate confidence-building measures with the international community.
Iranian President. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he is ready to engage in a dialogue with anyone to resolve the standoff. Speaking Thursday in Indonesia, Mr. Ahmadinejad said it was \"ridiculous\" for countries that already possess nuclear arsenals to pressure Iran to curb its peaceful nuclear program.