Bush sees progress toward peaceful Iran solution

WASHINGTON, Feb 14 (Reuters) President George W Bush said today he believed the United States and its allies were making progress toward solving their disputes with Iran over its nuclear program peacefully but direct talks with Tehran were unlikely to be successful.

''If I thought we could achieve success, I would sit down (with the Iranians),'' Bush told a news conference. ''But I don't think we can achieve success right now.'' ''I think we are more likely to achieve our goals when others are involved as well,'' he said.

Reuters KR DB2320