Iranian officials talked about diplomacy and threatened military action in a dispute with the United Nations over its nuclear weapons program.

In a series of statements, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stood firm Saturday in his country's refusal to abandon its nuclear program, saying Iran would not surrender "a single iota of its nuclear rights."

The next day he hinted at diplomacy to resolve the standoff with the West. He said his country was "serious in continuation of fair talks which produce practical and fruitful results.

Then more threats came from Iran on Monday. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, warned it would be "very easy" to close the Strait of Hormuz "for an unlimited period of time. The strait in the Persian Gulf is an important international oil route and military action by Iran could bring it into armed conflict with the United States.

The defense minister claimed Iran had a new weapon capable of attacking ships nearly 200 miles away.

The Bush administration believes Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran claims its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes only but has rejected any international restrictions on it.

Western powers were waiting for an Iranian answer to a proposal that would put off any further sanctions if Iran would not expand its nuclear program during negotiations. The offer also includes incentives for Iran to halt uranium enrichment.

An official response came Tuesday, but was still being analyzed by European Union officials.

In the meantime, the military rhetoric continues. The Bush administration has hinted at military action as an acceptable alternative if diplomacy fails. The Israeli military has also practiced attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.

In such a volatile atmosphere, more cooperation would foster trust. Iran's acceptance of the Western offer would serve to ease tensions and give diplomacy the chance to address international concerns about the country's intentions.