TEHRAN: Iran laid out “red lines” Monday related to its ballistic missile program, nuclear sites and uranium enrichment ahead of fresh nuclear talks with world powers.

President Hassan Rowhani insisted Iran was “serious” about the negotiations, as his negotiators warned they would not back down on some of the thorniest issues of the decade-long dispute.

Negotiations are set to resume in Vienna on February 18 and 19 between Iran and the so-called P5+1.

Building on a breakthrough interim deal reached in November, negotiators hope to eventually reach a comprehensive accord to allay international concerns that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapons capability, allegations denied by Tehran.

Under a deal reached in Tehran with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran will explain its need for sophisticated detonators that could be used to initiate a nuclear chain reaction.

But on Monday Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is also a senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, said “the defense-related issues are a red line for Iran. “We will not allow such issues to be discussed in future talks,” he said.