Washington ? Ahead of tense international talks today, Iran has boldly reasserted its right to build nuclear installations, while fissures have appeared in the coalition of nations seeking to steer the country’s leadership away from its nuclear ambitions.

While holding fast this week to its hard-line position in the wake of revelations of a new underground nuclear site, Iran also offered a conciliatory gesture by saying it would set a timetable “soon” to admit international inspectors to the facility near the holy city of Qom.

The split image of confrontation and vague cooperation injected an added sense of drama to the nuclear talks in Geneva, leaving diplomats uncertain whether Iran will negotiate seriously with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

The Obama administration has insisted that Iran commit to substantial talks and “come clean” about its nuclear program, or face the likelihood of new sanctions.