"Although the business case looks viable, the negative attitude of the French government has influenced Novartis' consideration to a point that it will only enter into a negotiation phase if formally invited by the Aventis supervisory board and if the French government assumed a neutral position, " Novartis wrote in a statement.

FORBES: Aventis-Novartis Tie-Up Looks Unlikely

"The Iranian nation is prepared to enter into dialogue and negotiation in order to lay the ground for lasting peace and regionally inspired and generated stability for the region and beyond and the continued progress and prosperity of the nations of the region and the world, " one passage states.

CNN: Iran nuclear plans 'revealed' on Web site