The best way to solve the Iran nuclear issue is through negotiation, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday in an interview broadcast.

"Sincerely, I think the best solution is the negotiated solution," Annan told French radio station Europe 1. He said he feared a confrontation would create "enormous problems" in a region already plagued by lots of crises.

The secretary-general pointed out that the Iranians are willing to return to the negotiating table and what they can not accept is to suspend uranium enrichment before negotiations.

The UN head said that he visited Iran days ago and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had assured him of Iran's readiness to talk about all issues and the peaceful intent of its nuclear activities.

Annan said Iran should allow visits by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and grant them free movement to prove to the world the peaceful intent of its nuclear activities.

Speaking of the question of whether to use sanctions to force Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, Annan said it is not a simple issue as related parties are still divided over the issue and it is difficult to reach consensus even within the UN Security Council.