Baghdad, Iraq ? Iran’s foreign minister on Friday rejected a U.S. offer of direct talks on Iraq, as Tehran hardened its position against international pressure to stop uranium enrichment.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Iran changed its mind about holding talks with the U.S. on Iraq because the Americans raised “other issues.” He did not elaborate, but the sides have been sparring about Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran reportedly wants to talk directly to the U.S. on that subject as well.

Mottaki received a boost from his Iraqi counterpart, who said Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear research – a stance that runs counter to U.S. efforts to force Tehran to stop all nuclear activities amid fears it is seeking to develop atomic weapons.

Also Friday, Italy announced it would pull 1,100 of its troops from the U.S.-led coalition in June, the first specific numbers about its planned withdrawal. The country has some 2,700 troops in Iraq, mostly in the southern city of Nasiriyah.

Bombs, meanwhile, hit three outdoor markets in Baghdad, killing at least 18 people and wounding more than 60.