Iran to hold nuclear talks with West later this month

TEHRAN, Iran // Iran's state TV says the country will hold talks with six world powers in Kazakhstan on February 26 over its controversial nuclear program.

The TV says the timing of the talks was confirmed following a phone conversation today between the offices of Saeed Jalili, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, and EU's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton.

Earlier, it was thought the talks would take place February 25. Ashton's office represents the six powers - the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany.

The talks have stalled since May.

The West demands Tehran stop enriching uranium to 20 per cent, which is close to the level used to arm nuclear warheads.

Iran insists it's enriching only to make reactor fuel and for scientific and medical programs, and not for a nuclear weapon.