The Bush administration has announced it will enter into talks with Iran if Tehran suspends nuclear enrichment activities. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made the announcement Wednesday.

• Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “The United States is willing to exert strong leadership to give diplomacy its very best chance to succeed thus, to underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance the prospects for success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table with our EU-3 colleagues and meet with Iran’s representatives.”

Iran’s government rejected the overture, calling it “propaganda.” Iran’s Foreign Minister later said Tehran would enter into talks with the US but would not give up nuclear enrichment.