Rice Says Iran Should Halt Nuclear Activities

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has responded to Iran's declaration today that it had no "reverse gear" on its nuclear program by saying that Tehran needs to halt weapons-related activities.

Rice told U.S. television that after a halt, the United States is prepared to discuss trade, political issues, and meetings. She said Iran does not need a reverse gear, but a stop button.

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said today that Iran had obtained the technology to produce nuclear fuel and its program is now like a train "which has no brake and no reverse gear."

The United States accuses Iran of wanting to develop nuclear weapons, but Iran says it is only seeking nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

In other developments, Iranian Education Minister Mahmud Farshidi has come under fire from top clerics and deputies for questions deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad used in an exam for teachers.

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad, speaking to a group of visiting American Christians, said Iran does not have any feeling of hatred toward the United States.

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