US agrees to Iran talks

IN a major policy shift, the US said yesterday it was prepared to join other nations in holding direct talks with Iran on its nuclear programme, provided Iran first agrees to stop disputed nuclear activities that the West fears could lead to a bomb.

“To underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance prospects for success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at the State Department.

Ms Rice will meet with foreign ministers from the other permanent Security Council members today to finalise a package to be presented to Tehran.