Nato pressed Iran to guarantee the security of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz but said the Western military alliance had no plans to intervene in the area – used for a third of the world's seaborne oil exports.
Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Brussels it was of "utmost importance to make sure energy supplies continue to flow through the vital waterway".
"I would like to stress that the Iranian authorities have a duty to act as responsible international actors and in accordance with international law," Mr Rasmussen told a joint news conference with Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, confirming that Nato had no plans of intervention.
Mr Davutoglu said he had been in contact with the EU's Foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, and confirmed Turkey was ready to host a new round of talks between Western powers and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme.
"During my visit in Tehran, Iran declared that they are ready to restart the talks. Before that I had consultations with Madame Ashton, she in fact asked me to consult this with the Iranian side as well, and after this I spoke with Madame Ashton again. both sides declared the intention to meet and to restart the negotiations. Of course it is up to both sides to decide, but as Turkey we will be happy to host these new round of talks," said Mr Davutoglu.
Speaking on a visit to Turkey earlier on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said negotiations for new talks were under way.
The last talks between Iran and the permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, Britain, France, Russia and China – along with Germany stalled in Istanbul a year ago, with the parties unable to agree even on an agenda.
The Telegraph
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