U.S. Calls on Iran to Hold 'Substantive' Nuclear Talks

The United States urged Iran Thursday to hold substantive talks on its nuclear program, as Tehran revealed that the foreign ministry had now been tasked with leading the negotiations.

"We reiterate our hope that the Iranian government will engage substantively with the international community to reach a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear program and to cooperate fully with the IAEA in its investigation," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif would be Iran's pointman on the dragging nuclear negotiations, the website of new President Hassan Rowhani said.

He takes over from Saeed Jalili, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, who has traditionally led the negotiations with the West.

Western countries and Israel suspect Iran's nuclear program is cover for a drive for a weapons capability, an ambition Tehran strongly denies.

"The inauguration of President Rowhani presents an opportunity for Iran to act quickly to resolve the international community's deep concerns over Iran's nuclear program," Psaki said in a statement.

"Should this new government choose to engage substantively and seriously to meet its international obligations and find a peaceful solution to this issue, it will find a willing partner in the United States."

Talks, which have dragged on for years, are set to resume again in three weeks in Vienna between Iran and the U.N. watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.