Iran aims to reach a "peaceful" nuclear agreement with the United States to settle a decades-long dispute, but will not compromise its national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Tuesday.

The United States, its European allies, and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program as a cover for efforts to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran claims its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

In October, President Donald Trump stated that the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran when Tehran was prepared, adding, "The hand of friendship and cooperation (with Iran) is open."

Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh said Washington was delivering conflicting messages to Tehran about nuclear talks through third countries.

The two nations held five rounds of nuclear talks before a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, which Washington joined by striking key Iranian nuclear sites.

Repeating Tehran's view, Khatibzadeh accused Washington of "betraying diplomacy," and the nuclear talks have halted since the June conflict.

Major gaps still exist between the two sides, such as the issue of uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, which the United States wants to reduce to zero to minimize any risk of weaponization—a plan Tehran has rejected.

Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on important national issues like foreign policy and Iran's nuclear program, ruled out negotiations with the United States under threat.

“Tehran is not seeking nuclear bombs and ... is prepared to assure the world about it. We are very proud of our home-grown nuclear program," Khatibzadeh said.