US, Iran to talk Iraq

Iran, responding to an overture by Washington last November, said last week it was open to talks on the issue with the American ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, but until Rice's comments US officials had given no firm reply.

"I'm quite certain that at some point they will meet," Rice told a Washington news conference, referring to the planned talks. She added that they would be "at an appropriate time."

Washington has charged Tehran with meddling in the sectarian strife in Iraq, an accusation denied by Iran, which blames the US-led forces that invaded in 2003.

While US talks with Iran are unusual because the two countries have no diplomatic ties, Rice noted Khalilzad -- in his former role as US envoy to Afghanistan -- had held meetings with Iranian officials about that country.

Analysts say both the United States and Tehran are worried about worsening violence in Iraq, pushing them to agree to talks. Iraqi political sources have said they expected Khalilzad to meet Iran's representatives this week. Iran has not announced its team.

Khalilzad has renewed accusations Iran is backing Shia violence in Iraq. Some analysts say Tehran is using Iraq to deflect US pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme.

"Training and supplying, direct or indirect, takes place, and that there is also provision of financial resources to people, to militias, and that there is presence of people associated with Revolutionary Guard and with MOIS (Iranian intelligence)," Khalilzad told the Washington Post.

He said he was particularly concerned about the Mehdi Army militia of Iranian-backed cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, and said the political parties had to do more to curb their armed supporters.

Rice's confirmation of talks with Iran on neighbouring Iraq came as Iraqi leaders held their first formal talks in several days, with Washington keeping up pressure on them to form a national unity government.