Khamenei says no retreat on atomic rights

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest authority, said on Tuesday that the country would not retreat from its right to develop nuclear technology, state television reported.

"Our policy is clear, progress with clear logic and insisting on the nation's right without any retreat," he was quoted as saying in reference to Tehran's nuclear program.

Iran dismissed media reports last week that it might be ready to freeze atomic fuel manufacturing work for 90 days to allow for direct negotiations with the United States and other major powers.

The United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany agreed in London on Friday to discuss possible U.N. Security Council sanctions to punish Iran for failing to heed demands to halt uranium enrichment.

Iran says its nuclear program will be used only for peaceful purposes and not, as the United States alleges, to make atomic weapons.