The White House is denying a report that the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one negotiations over Tehran�s nuclear program.

The report — from The New York Times and based on discussions with Obama administration officials — came as Iran is believed to be building a nuclear weapon and as a result is under heavy economic sanctions. Iranian officials insisted that the talks wait until after the presidential election, an official told the newspaper.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran�s supreme leader, was said to have the last word on whether the first-ever talks should occur.

“It�s not true that the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one talks or any meeting after the American elections.” National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement released by the White House. “It has always been our goal for sanctions to pressure Iran to come in line with its obligations.”

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