The Bush administration has dismissed suggestions its presence at an international conference on Iraq could lead to direct talks with Iran and Syria. Hopes were raised after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice confirmed the U.S. would join a regional meeting called by the Iraqi government. But on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the administration has not dropped its precondition that Iran abandon nuclear activities. Iran says it’s weighing the Iraqi invitation. Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made some of his first public comments since the announcement of the upcoming talks on Iraq.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: “The arrival of foreign forces and the intervention of the hegemonic system in the affairs of the people of this country is the root cause of the problems in Iraq.”

Ahmadinejad spoke as he began a two-day visit to Sudan. He is expected to sign a series of economic agreements to boost ties between Tehran and Khartoum.