Iran ready for higher-level US Iraq talks

TEHRAN: Iran on Wednesday said it was prepared to consider higher-level talks with the United States over Iraq, a day after their ambassadors to Baghdad held a second meeting on Iraqi security.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Tehran would be willing to consider talking to Washington, its arch-foe for almost three decades, at the level of deputy foreign minister.

"The talks between Iran and the United States over Iraq at the level of deputy foreign minister can be studied," Mottaki said after a cabinet meeting, the state-run IRNA agency reported.

"If America makes an official request in this regard it can be examined," he added.

US Ambassado to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Tehran's envoy Hassan azemi Qomi held a second round of talks on Tuesday in Baghdad over security in Iraq to ollow up their landmark first meeting on May 28.

The United States accused Iran of stepping up its alleged support of militia groups but Iraqi officials hailed what they said was the creation of a tripartite security committee.

Mottaki did not say which dilomats could be involved in higher-level talks.

Iran has several deputy foreign ministers, the highest ranking being Mehdi Mostafavi. The US deputy Secretary of state is former UN ambassador of Iraq John Negroponte.

Meanwhile, Iranian newspapers were divided over the results of yesterday's talks, with hardline daily Kayhan describing them as "fruitless" but others noting the creation of the security Committee.