Iran has "clearly-defined red lines" in any talks with major powers on its disputed nuclear program, its highest authority said yesterday, making clear the country would not give up its atomic activities.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking three days before Iran's chief nuclear negotiator is due to meet European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana in Geneva, also said the Islamic Republic would cut off the hand of any aggressor.

Iran is embroiled in a deepening international standoff over its nuclear program, which the United States and Israel suspect is aimed at making bombs, a charge Teheran denies.