Facing criticism about the company's business dealings in Iran, a Halliburton executive said Monday that his firm had not broken any laws.
Iran objected Monday to language in a document reaffirming the need for full compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a move that diplomats said could torpedo a conference aimed at strengthening the accord.
Senior officials of six world powers will meet in London on Wednesday to review Iran's nuclear plans following renewed talks between the European Union and Tehran, Britain said on Monday.
Iran rejected a call for full compliance with nuclear safeguards on Monday, stymieing the opening day of a conference here preparing a review of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), diplomats said.
A meeting on how to rescue the faltering nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty ran into early difficulty on Monday when Iran balked at plans to focus on non-compliance issues, fearing it would be singled out.
The stage is set for a meeting between Iran and the U.S.
US President George W. Bush Monday sought to downplay speculation of any breakthrough in ties with arch foe Iran when top officials from the two countries take part in a key conference this week.
If Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice bumps into the foreign minister of Iran, she will be polite but firm about U.S. resolve to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, President George W. Bush said on Monday.
As U.S. and European Union officials showcase closer ties at a summit Monday, they may have found common ground over Iran's nuclear program and Russia's objections to a missile defense plan.
Iran agreed to participate with the United States and other countries in a conference about Iraq this week that aims in part to get surrounding countries to stop aiding the insurgency with bombs, guns and terrorists.