"The representatives from some European countries, NAM (non-aligned movement), and some representatives from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China, plus Germany have been invited to visit our nuclear sites," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on January 4, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.

The talks were agreed to after two days of discussions between Iran and the six-nation group last month in Geneva, Switzerland.

Iran did not specifically name the countries that might be sending diplomats, although China did acknowledge getting an invitation.

"China has received invitation from the Iranian side and we will keep our communication with Iran on this issue," said Hong Lei, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

On January 4, US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the United States had not received an invitation. He called the tactic an effort by Iran to distract attention.

The United States, other Western countries and Israel fear that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran has steadfastly denied, saying its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.

Iran is under stiff sanctions from the international community because it has continued to enrich uranium.