This time, they're serious.

So, no armageddon after all. Instead, Iran say's they're ready for "serious" talks. What in the world does that mean? The statement alone proves their complete indifference to international law. Obviously, nothing was taken seriously in Iran before today. But you know what, the UN and the international community has brought this kind of response on their own heads. If we're not gonna get serious with Iran, then why bother threatening them at all?

The AP reports:

TEHRAN, Iran. Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Tuesday that Tehran was ready to enter "serious negotiations" over its disputed nuclear program but did not say whether it was willing to suspend uranium enrichment _ the West's key demand.

The negotiator, Ali Larijani, hand-delivered Iran's response to a six- nation package of nuclear incentives aimed at persuading it to suspend enrichment. He gave the reply to ambassadors from Britain, China, Russia, France, Germany and Switzerland, state-run television said, without disclosing details.

"Iran is prepared as of Aug. 23 to enter serious negotiations" with the countries that proposed the package, state-run television quoted Larijani as telling the envoys.

Iranian officials close to the meeting said Iran offered a "new formula" to resolve the dispute as part of its formal response to the incentive package. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

"Iran has provided a comprehensive response to everything said in the Western package. In addition, Iran, in its formal response, has asked some questions to be answered," one official said, without elaborating.

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Iran's response needs a "detailed and careful analysis," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said.

In a statement, Solana said he would remain "in open contact" with Larijani.