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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsU.S. Officials Say Iran Has Agreed To Nuclear Talks
WASHINGTON The United States and Iran have agreed in principle for the first time to one-on-one negotiations over Irans nuclear program, according to Obama administration officials, setting the stage for what could be a last-ditch diplomatic effort to avert a military strike on Iran.
Iranian officials have insisted that the talks wait until after the presidential election, a senior administration official said, telling their American counterparts that they want to know with whom they would be negotiating.
News of the agreement a result of intense, secret exchanges between American and Iranian officials that date almost to the beginning of President Obamas term comes at a critical moment in the presidential contest, just two weeks before Election Day and the weekend before the final debate, which is to focus on national security and foreign policy.
It has the potential to help Mr. Obama make the case that he is nearing a diplomatic breakthrough in the decade-long effort by the worlds major powers to curb Tehrans nuclear ambitions, but it could pose a risk if Iran is seen as using the prospect of the direct talks to buy time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/world/iran-said-ready-to-talk-to-us-about-nuclear-program.html?pagewanted=print
Hugabear
(10,340 posts)Don't they know this is going to mess up Netanyahu's wargasm plans?
aquart
(69,014 posts)He, too, has a base to appease.
Some people will believe anything.
DonViejo
(60,536 posts)glacierbay
(2,477 posts)http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/20/white-house-denies-nuclear-report/
White House denies nuclear report
The White House denied a report Saturday that said the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one talks over Irans nuclear program.
Such talks, as reported by The New York Times, would be a first.
Its not true that the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one talks or any meeting after the American elections, White House National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement.
The President has made clear that he will prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and we will do what we must to achieve that. It has always been our goal for sanctions to pressure Iran to come in line with its obligations. The onus is on the Iranians to do so, otherwise they will continue to face crippling sanctions and increased pressure."