U.S. wants "direct dialogue" with Iran on Iraq situation

U.S. wants "direct dialogue" with Iran on Iraq situation

NEW YORK -- The U.S. is preparing to launch direct dialogue with their long-time opponent Iran, focusing on security in Iraq, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Citing unnamed U.S. officials, the newspaper stated that it is expected that the dialogue will begin this week, Reuters said.

American officials are quoted as saying that so far it is not certain which diplomatic channel the Obama administration plans to utilize.

According to the paper, one option is to go via Vienna, where American and Iranian officials should meet to discuss Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

The State Department announced that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns would travel to Vienna to attend the talks.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said that Washington "must engage Iran in order to prevent the collapse of the government in Iraq, and should begin negotiations with Tehran."