ANKARA — The United States plans to establish a diplomatic presence in Iran for the first time since 1979.
U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Ross Wilson, said the administration intends
to open a representative office in Iran. Wilson, in a visit to the U.S.
consulate in Adana on March 7, said the office in Iran could be established
in the near future.
Officials said the State Department has sought to establish a diplomatic
presence in Iran. They said the initiative stemmed from Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, who has sought to increase ties to Iranians.
Ms. Rice was expected to visit Turkey over the next few weeks to discuss
relations with Iran. The State Department has not confirmed Wilson's
assertion of U.S. intentions toward Iran.
Last week, the State Department announced plans to establish a special
office to monitor and encourage democracy in Iran. The office would station
representatives in most of Iran's neighbors.
Wilson did not say whether Iran has approved the U.S. request.
"The intention to open such an office will improve relations, increase
our knowledge of Iran and gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in
the country," Wilson said.
On Wednesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency sent a report to
the United Nations Security Council on Iran's refusal to suspend its uranium
enrichment program. The council was expected to discuss the Iranian nuclear
file on March 12.
"After three years of intensive verification, there remain uncertainties
with regard to both the scope and the nature of Iran's nuclear program,"
IAEA director-general Mohammed El Baradei said.
