Iran UPDATE: A-Jad says Iran Unaffected By EU Embargo, Wants to Talk

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, responding to calls from Western officials to return to negotiations over its disputed nuclear program, claimed that Iran is ready and willing for frank discussion about its nuclear program.

"They have this excuse that Iran is dodging negotiations while it is not the case," Ahmadenijad said, referring to the Western diplomats. "Why should we run away from the negotiations?"

Iran's top officials are alternating between alleged compliance with and open defiance of the West, with Ahmadinejad saying Wednesday that the EU oil embargo would not harm the Islamic Republic.

"Once our trade with the Europe was around 90 percent but now it has reached 10 percent and we are not seeking this 10 percent... experience has shown that Iranian nation will not be hurt," Ahmadinejad insisted.