Tehran:  Amid growing international pressure on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, India todaysaid UN nuclear watchdog IAEA should play a central role in resolving the issueand called for restrain and flexibility by all sides.

"We believe that Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully andthrough dialogue and negotiations," External Affairs Minister PranabMukherjee told reporters here after his 90-minute talks with Iranian ForeignMinister Manouchehr Mottaki during which the matter came up.

"The IAEA should play a central role in resolving the outstandingissues," he said at the joint press briefing with Mottaki.

Mukherjee emphasised that "a peaceful negotiated solution would befacilitated by enhanced cooperation between Iran and IAEA and a demonstrationof restrain and flexibility by all sides." When referred to the UNSecurity Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran, Mukherjee said it alsounderscores role of IAEA and provides opportunity for resolving the issuethrough dialogue.

Mottaki said that Iranhad legal rights to pursue civil nuclear programme and will not accept anypre-conditions for talks.

He said Iranwas ready to work for strengthening of nuclear non-proliferation regime and anysuggestions could be made during the talks.

He also said that the issue needed to be resolved through dialogue.

Mottaki said Irannuclear activities are already under surveillance and inspections of IAEA.