The United States will take part in proposed talks between six major powers and Iran aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.
US State Department spokesman Robert Wood said the United States remained committed to the effort by the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany and Britain to reach a diplomatic solution to areas of concern with Iran.
"What is different is that the US will join the ...discussions with Iran from now on," Mr Wood told reporters.
The six nations have invited Iran to join talks.
"If Iran accepts ... we hope this will be the occasion to seriously engage Iran on how to break the logjam of recent years and work in a cooperative manner to resolve the outstanding international concerns about its nuclear program," Mr Wood said.
"Any breakthrough will be a result of collective efforts of all the parties."
Reuters