Rafsanjani, in a sermon at Tehran Friday prayers, stressed that Iran's talks with the Europeans should be carried out in "an atmosphere of logic and reasoning".

He expressed hope that the Europeans will take reasonable measures toward the issue of Iran's nuclear energy program and avoid being manipulated by the US.

Rafsanjani recalled the remarks by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Iran's talks with European states in a meeting with a number of state officials.

"[Ayatollah Khamenei] clearly stated that we agree with negotiations provided that they are based on reason and are carried out within the framework of international laws," he told worshipers at Tehran University campus.

Rafsanjani said the rights of Iranian people in this respect must not be violated and added that there will be no point to continue such talks if the Europeans resort to threatening Iran.

"If they want to use threats against Iran, there is no point for negotiations," he said.

"This is a clear policy of which all government officials, media and analysts are aware."

The EC chairman said the ongoing Iran-EU talks are not limited to the EU trio of France, Germany and Britain. He added that all 25 EU member states have presented Iran with their suggestions on the issue.

"The US is apparently opposing Iran's ongoing talks with the Europeans ... However, the Europeans are more serious in the talks and have become closer to realities," he said.

Rafsanjani reiterated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and expressed hope that Iran and the European states would arrive at a conclusion through cooperation and understanding to achieve "what is Iran's legitimate and natural right".