The United States said on Wednesday it is willing to directly engage with Iran on Tehrans's nuclear programme and hoped the latter would accept its invitation.
"The US, outlined the President's and the Secretary's (of State) goal on Iran, which is to explore diplomatic solutions
to the very serious areas of concern. A diplomatic solution necessitates a willingness to engage directly with each other
on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest," State Department spokesman Robert Wood said in Washington.
The US hopes Iran chooses to reciprocate, he said, adding "We are looking to engage the Iranians directly."
Referring to the just concluded London meeting of "P-5 plus one", he said the political directors discussed next steps in addressing international concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and affirmed their unwavering commitment to a negotiated diplomatic solution to the concerns.
The "P5 plus one" -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the US along with Germany -- earlier said they would ask Iran
for direct talks on the nuclear drive.
