Nuclear Talks Are Possible, Minister Says

Iran is not ruling out talks about its nuclear program with world powers but conditions have to be right, the country's top diplomat said Saturday, signaling an apparent softening of Tehran's persistent refusal to discuss the issue.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said he welcomed talks with the United States and its partners, adding that "should conditions be ripe, there is a possibility of talks about the nuclear issue."

The White House reiterated Saturday that talks with Iran should focus on the country's nuclear program. "We're not talking for talking's sake," spokesman Robert Gibbs said. "This may not have been a topic they wanted to be brought up, but I can assure you it's a topic that we'll bring up." Link...