The European Union is "hopeful" talks could restart soon on Iran's nuclear programme, officials said Wednesday, confirming that the bloc's foreign policy director, Catherine Ashton, had replied to a recent letter from Tehran's chief negotiator, dpa reported.
Saeid Jalili had told Ashton he was ready for "talks starting September 2010," but on condition that the EU denounce Israel's nuclear arsenal and shelve plans for further sanctions on Tehran.
"There were positive indications in Dr Jalili's letter that the Iranian authorities are willing to restart a dialogue with (EU) High Representative Ashton," a spokesman told the German Press Agency dpa.
"The High Representative has responded in that spirit, and is hopeful that talks could resume as soon as possible, preferably in Autumn," the official added.
In the letter, seen by dpa, Ashton sidesteps Jalili's demands for an Israeli condemnation, stressing that Iran's nuclear programme "must be the focus" of talks.
But she concedes that "other subjects" may be raised, alluding to the nuclear fuel swap deals discussed in 2008 and 2009 and recently taken up again by Brazil and Turkey.
In dealings with Iran, Ashton is acting on behalf of the "5+1," the six-country panel comprising of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - plus Germany.
The international community is applying pressure on Iran because it suspects the country is trying to acquire a nuclear bomb. Tehran denies the charge, claiming its programme is intended only for civilian purposes.
Last month the UNSC approved a fresh round of sanctions against the country, with the US and the EU committed to add to them with further restrictive measures.