A three-pronged approach to negotiations could resolve Iranian dispute with the West over the national nuclear program, former Iranian nuclear negotiator Hossein Mousavian told a seminar on "disarmament" in Geneva.

Mousavian, who is currently serving as deputy head of a strategic think-tank affiliated to Iran's presidential Expediency Council, said the approach must include bilateral talks between Iran and the United States and the other parties to the negotiations on the nuclear program.

The third element would be a broader scope to talks encompassing a regional security arrangement in the Persian Gulf region, Mousavian said.

Iran is ready to help develop a regional monitoring and verification regime in the Persian Gulf, to complement the IAEA UN atomic watchdog's Safeguards aimed at preventing nuclear weapons proliferation, the ex-negotiator added.

"A genuine approach to finding a resolution to Iran's nuclear issue goes beyond immediate security concerns," Mousavian said, adding: "Such an approach must have a three-pronged strategy".

Mousavian said demands for suspension "seem to point to a policy of twisting Iran's hand."

"The US must stop bullying and needs to demonstrate some leadership to get itself out of this impasse," he added.

Mousavian suggested that a recognition of Iran's right to develop nuclear energy would bring about "the maximum of commitments" from Tehran in return.

He also repeated a suggestion for an international enrichment consortium based in Iran to serve the Persian Gulf region, saying it would allay both Iranian fears about being cut off from nuclear fuel and the western concerns.