"So far we have not yet received the European proposals. But they will be acceptable if they respect our national interests and recognise our legitimate right to the civil nuclear technology, especially the nuclear fuel cycle," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters.

"Our right is not negotiable, but we will obtain our right through negotiation and dialogue," he added, saying that "good discussions" have been held with the Europeans and would continue.

Britain, France and Germany -- which have been spearheading negotiations with Iran -- are expected to offer Iran incentives in the coming days to persuade it to halt its controversial fuel cycle work surrounding the enrichment of uranium.

Such work is permitted under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) -- of which the Islamic republic is a signatory -- if for peaceful purposes. Iran insists it only wants to generate nuclear power.

But there is a fear that by mastering the fuel cycle, Iran could gain the "option" of developing nuclear arms. Enriched uranium, depending on its level of purity, could be used for both power plants and the core of a warhead.

Diplomats say the package from the so-called "EU Three" would give Iran access to imported nuclear fuel and other advantages in return for a total suspension of its fuel cycle work. Iran has so far refused.

The EU Three will offer the package as a November 25 deadline looms for Iran to comply with IAEA demands to suspend enrichment-related activities and come clean about its nuclear ambitions or be referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

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