Iran may agree to Iraq talks with U.S.

TEHRAN, June 27 (UPI) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Wednesday his nation will consider another round of talks with the United States regarding Iraq.

Based on a request from the Iraqi government, Mottaki said Iran may potentially be open to a second round of talks with U.S. officials regarding Iraqi security, the Alalam Satellite News said.

"We have reiterated that the Iraqi request will be considered positively, when (the) U.S. responds to it," Mottaki said.

The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Iran's new stance was applauded by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who said it could potentially help improve security in his troubled country.

Talabani also said his nation would attempt to get U.S. forces in Iraq to release several detained Iranian diplomats along with several pilgrims in U.S. custody.

Meanwhile, the Fars news agency reported Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Iran-Iraq relations should move forward despite U.S. efforts to curtail such a partnership.

"The U.S. opposes development of Iran-Iraq relations and strives to disturb these ties, but such efforts (by the U.S.) must be resisted," Khamenei said.