US and Iranian envoys exchanged direct talks today at a conference on Iraq stability efforts, opening possibly groundbreaking steps that could ease their nearly 28-year diplomatic freeze.
The US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmy Khalilzad, said he exchanged views with Iranian delegation "directly and in the presence of others" at the one-day meeting of Iraq's neighbours and others including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
He declined to give details of the contacts - calling them only "constructive and businesslike and problem-solving"- but said he raised Washington's assertions that Shiite militias receive weapons and assistance across the border from Iran.
Mr Khalilzad called it a "first step".
For Iran, opening more direct contacts with Washington could help promote their shared interests in Iraq, including trying to stamp out Sunni-led insurgents. US officials, meanwhile, need the support of Iranian-allied political groups in Iraq to keep a lid on Shiite militias.
Washington broke off ties with Iran after militants occupied the US Embassy in Tehran in the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iraq's foreign minister, Hoshyar Zebari, told reporters there were "direct exchanges and meetings and discussions" between the US and Iranian delegation.
He also said delegates agreed to take part in future groups to study ways to bolster Iraq's security, assist displaced people and improve fuel distribution and sales.
Mr Zebari did not say whether Iran and the US could join in these smaller "tactical committees."
Mr Khalilzad also urged nations bordering Iraq - which include Syria and Iran
- to expand assistance to al-Maliki's government, saying "the future of Iraq and the Middle East is the defining issue of our time".
The delegates proposed an "expanded" follow-up meeting, which could include the G8 nations and others, in Istanbul next month. Iraqi officials, however, say they want the next meeting to take place in Baghdad.
There have been other chances in the past for dialogue between the US and Iran, but rarely with such promise. In September, the US joined Iran and Syria in talks on Iraq - although Washington ruled out direct talks with Iran in advance.
PA