US says no decision on Iranian talks in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Mar 4 (Reuters) US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said no decision had been made on holding bilateral talks with Iran on the sidelines of a regional meeting this week but if such talks took place he would focus on arms smuggling.

In an interview with CNN today, Khalilzad said the aim of the March 10 Baghdad meeting of regional countries and world powers was to get Iraq's neighbours to contribute to stabilising Iraq. He said it was not clear who would attend from Iran.

''We have not decided at this point with regard to anything bilateral (with Iran) but we will be prepared to play our role as constructively as possible,'' Khalilzad said.

The United States has no diplomatic relations with Iran and is engaged in a war of words to stop what it says are Tehran's efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for power generation.

Washington also accuses Iran and Syria of fomenting violence in Iraq by smuggling weapons and supporting armed groups -- charges both countries deny.

But with violence raging four years after the US invasion, President George W. Bush is under pressure from allies and some at home, including the high-level Iraq Study Group, to engage the two countries in dialogue on Iraq.

Khalilzad said a key concern was over lethal roadside bombs known as ''explosively formed projectiles (EFPs)'', which have killed a large number of US soldiers. US military officials say the components are made in Iran.

''It is my understanding that EFPs do come across the border and there is continuing support and assistance from elements in Iran to elements in Iraq. That continues,'' he said, adding that the US military believed the Quds force, part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was behind the shipments of weapons.

''Should the opportunity arise to talk to the Iranians we will focus on the weapons that come across the border,'' he said.

''The purpose of any talks that take place, the bilateral talks, will be very much the security of our forces.'' Iran, which has close links to many of the Shi'ite parties dominating Iraq's government, has said it is considering the invitation to the March 10 meeting.

''There have been some recent indications that they are interested in a dialogue with regard to Iraq,'' Khalilzad said.

The March 10 meeting will bring together working-level officials in Baghdad before a second, involving ministers, that may be held as early as April, according to US officials.

REUTERS SP KP2318