Iran is in communication with major powers to resume discussions on its nuclear program, although the US and EU have denied this and are calling on Tehran to demonstrate its willingness to engage in talks. Tensions are rising over Iran's nuclear activities, with some countries alleging it is seeking atomic weapons, a claim Iran denies. The EU is planning to increase sanctions on Iran, including an embargo on its oil exports and potentially freezing the assets of Iran's central bank. Discussions are ongoing on how to protect non-oil trade from these sanctions. Iran has stated that they may block the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for one-third of the world's seaborne oil trade, if they are unable to sell their own oil. This has raised concerns about a potential conflict in the Gulf region that could further destabilize the Middle East. Iranian officials have mentioned that U.S. President Barack Obama has shown willingness to engage in negotiations, which could help ease tensions and reduce recent spikes in oil prices. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding the location and timing of these negotiations, with Istanbul being a likely venue. Washington is not currently engaged in discussions about resuming talks, but is open to the idea if Iran is willing to be transparent about their nuclear program. The White House did not confirm or deny reports about a letter being sent to Tehran. The United States is urging countries to decrease their purchases of Iranian oil in accordance with a new sanctions law signed by Obama on December 31, which aims to limit Tehran's ability to sell crude oil. The State Department's denial was supported by a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the six world powers attempting to engage with Iran. According to him, there are no current negotiations for new talks, as they are still waiting for Iran to respond to the proposals made by Ashton in a letter from October. British Foreign Secretary William Hague emphasized that Iran must be prepared for serious negotiations. He noted the importance of Iran offering negotiations while the European Union considers additional sanctions. He emphasized that the suggestion of negotiations alone will not prevent the imposition of sanctions, as actual negotiations are desired. If meaningful negotiations do not occur, peaceful but legitimate pressure will persist, as discussed at a meeting of EU ministers regarding a potential oil embargo on Iran. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes, such as power generation and medical uses, and denies any interest in nuclear weapons. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta stated that the U.S. military is fully prepared to address any threats from Iran regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ashton communicated to Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili that the West is still interested in resuming talks, but Iran must be willing to participate in meaningful discussions about ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. The Islamic Republic has consistently pushed for talks to focus on broader international security issues rather than its nuclear activities. The last discussions between Iran and the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, along with Germany, stalled in Istanbul a year ago, with the parties unable to come to an agreement on an agenda. Since then, a U.N. nuclear watchdog report has raised concerns about Iran's potential development of a nuclear weapon, leading to a prolonged stalemate. EU foreign ministers are likely to approve a gradual ban on Iranian oil imports at their upcoming meeting on January 23. This decision comes shortly after the United States implemented a law that would prevent any institution from doing business with Iran's central bank, effectively cutting off most countries' ability to purchase Iranian oil. An EU diplomat mentioned that progress has been made regarding the central bank issue, with widespread agreement on the principle. However, discussions are ongoing regarding the specifics. In response, Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate but has also begun moving uranium enrichment to a secure bunker to protect it from potential air strikes by Israel if diplomatic efforts fail to address Tehran's nuclear program. Western diplomats are stating that Tehran needs to demonstrate a willingness to change its direction in any upcoming discussions. Tehran insists that other nations must respect its right to enrich uranium, a nuclear fuel that can be used for atomic bombs if enriched to higher levels than required for power plants. Russia, a member of the group of six powers that has criticized the new sanctions imposed by the EU and U.S., has warned that the military option proposed by the U.S. and Israel could lead to a disastrous Middle East war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during a visit to the Netherlands, reiterated his stance that Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak stated that a decision on whether to attack Iran is not imminent. China and Russia both oppose Western efforts to stop Iran from exporting oil. Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. sanctions signed by Obama, which Iran claims are not based on international law. Iranian politicians mentioned that Obama wrote a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledging the threat and offering talks to prevent the closure of the strait. Lawmaker Ali Mottahari stated that the letter from Obama considered the closure of the strait as a 'red line' for the U.S. and requested direct negotiations.