Iran signals interest in talks with U.S.

WASHINGTON — Iran gave its first sign Tuesday it's interested in exploring President Obama's offers of dialogue, with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad saying his country "is ready to hold talks, but talks in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect."

Ahmadinejad's remarks, made at a massive rally to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah, were couched with the usual demands for changes in U.S. policy, and they're unlikely to lead to any short-term breakthrough.

However, it was the most positive response yet by an Iranian leader to Obama's repeated signals that he'll offer a new approach.

"The new U.S. government has announced that it wants to create change and follow the path of talks. It's very clear that true changes should be fundamental and not tactical," Ahmadinejad said.

The remarks came hours after Obama, at a Monday night news conference, said in the clearest terms yet he'd pursue diplomacy with Iran. "My expectation is, in the coming months, we will be looking for openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table, face to face," Obama said.

"Now it's time for Iran to send some signals that it wants to act differently," Obama said.

Any talks, or even talks about talks, are bound to be fraught with difficulties.

Iran's leadership is divided, with supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding ultimate decision-making power.

Hard-liners oppose an opening to the U.S., which poses risks for a country that has made anti-Americanism a central pillar of its rule for three decades, according to foreign diplomats in Tehran and Washington.

The substantive disputes are daunting, too. The U.S. and Europe want Iran to halt enrichment of uranium that could be used for a nuclear weapon, stop funding militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and improve its human-rights record.

Iran wants recognition of its status as a major Mideast player and security guarantees that Washington won't try to overthrow the government. It refuses to suspend its nuclear work.

Shortly after taking office, Obama and his top aides launched a review of U.S. policy toward Iran.

As part of that review, they've debated whether to make a gesture soon or wait until after Iran's June presidential contest, in which Ahmadinejad is up for re-election, according to U.S. officials and foreign diplomats.

A new factor in that calculation is the announcement Sunday by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami that he'll run for his old job. His efforts to liberalize Iranian society ultimately were frustrated.

Among the steps believed under consideration are a reply to Ahmadinejad's note of congratulations to Obama after his election victory, and a request to open a U.S. interests section in Iran.

Such gestures could strengthen Ahmadinejad, given the strong public support among Iranians for warmer ties with the U.S.

In a Jan. 28 speech, Ahmadinejad said the U.S. would have to end its support for Israel and apologize for past alleged crimes before the Islamic Republic would improve ties with Washington. He made no mention of such preconditions Tuesday.

He criticized Israel and Iranian opposition groups based abroad as "terrorists" but also said he was willing to cooperate with the U.S. on areas of mutual interest, including fighting drug trafficking and terrorism.

Additional information from The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times