Responding to an invitation by world powers for nuclear talks, Iran says it is ready for "constructive dialogue" on its disputed program.

"By updating last year's package, the Islamic republic is announcing its readiness for constructive dialogue and interaction," read a statement released on Wednesday.

Iran says its nuclear program is directed at the civilian applications of the technology. The West, however, accuses the country of seeking nuclear weaponry in its pursuit.

The six world powers, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1), recently proposed to open dialogue with Tehran over the disputed program.

In the statement, Iran's nuclear chief negotiator Saeed Jalili said that during the proposed talks the program would not be halted.

"The Islamic republic will continue its nuclear activities in an active interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its regulations like other members," he said.

The Iranian package also proposed that "the existing problems in the international arena must be solved through dialogue."

Jalili noted that "the language of force and threat" instead of mutual respect had proved to be ineffective.

The package is a new version of proposals offered by Iran in May 2008, which proposed the formation of consortiums to enrich uranium and manufacture nuclear fuel, including one in Iran.

In the US, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers later on Wednesday that the department was preparing for "very tough sanctions" against Iran if dialogue were to fail.

MJ/MD