Iran says "evil approach" by U.S. prevents talks

By Fredrik Dahl

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran will not negotiate with the United States until it stops its "evil approach", the government spokesman was quoted as saying on Tuesday, two days before the two foes were due to attend a meeting on Iraq.

U.S. officials say Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is ready to talk with Iran on the sidelines of the May 3-4 conference in Egypt, if such contact is deemed useful.

But Iran appeared to dismiss the possibility of bilateral discussions at the meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, which is to seek ways to end the violence in Iraq and will be attended by major powers and Baghdad's neighbours.

Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic ties for nearly three decades and are sharply at odds over the conflict in Iraq and Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Asked if Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki may hold talks in Egypt, his deputy Mahdi Mostafavi said according to the ISNA news agency:

"No, so far the necessary situation for talks and negotiations is not ready."

Washington accuses Iran of destabilising Iraq and U.S. officials say Rice would probably limit any discussions to this.

Iran denies meddling in Iraq and blames the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 for violence that is threatening to tear Iraq apart, saying U.S. forces should leave the country.