The US says it is ready to join direct multilateral talks with Iran on its nuclear programme if Tehran suspends disputed nuclear activities.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the US would join EU nations in talks if Iran suspended uranium enrichment and reprocessing work.
President Bush said he believed the issue could be solved diplomatically.
The Iranian state news agency dismissed the offer as a "propaganda move", in the first official reaction from Iran.
EU countries and the UN nuclear watchdog welcomed the offer, which is seen as a significant US policy shift.
Washington broke off diplomatic ties with Iran in 1979 and the two sides have had little official contact since.
Proposal
Ms Rice said "as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table". link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/5034228.stm it seems the USA is backing down.
Dreamer.