U-turn by White House as it blocks direct talks with Iran
The White House yesterday ruled out previously authorised direct talks between Tehran and the US ambassador in Baghdad, which were to have focused on the situation in Iraq. The move marks a hardening of the Bush administration’s position, despite pressure from the international community to enter into direct dialogue with Iran.
A White House official said that although the US envoy had originally been granted a mandate for talks with Iran, “we have decided not to pursue it.”
guardian.co.uk