TEHRAN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran is ready to accept certain limitations on its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions, but deems it "nonnegotiable" to end its uranium enrichment entirely, a senior Iranian diplomat said recently.

"Iran can be flexible on the capacities and limits of enrichment, but cannot agree to stop enrichment under any circumstance because it's essential, and we need to rely on ourselves, not on empty promises," Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi told Japan's Kyodo News in a Saturday interview.

On the possibility of the resumption of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks, the official said, "Iran is ready for talks with the United States, but the United States should first make it clear whether it is interested in win-win dialogue or the imposition of its will."

On June 13, two days prior to the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

On June 22, U.S. forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24.

In recent days, Washington has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran.  ■