Zebari says Iraq frustrated at delays to Iran-U.S. talks

By Dean Yates

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq expects to host more talks between U.S. and Iranian officials on improving Iraq's security but is frustrated by repeated delays, Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Sunday.

Zebari said his government had been trying since November to get a fourth round of talks held in Baghdad. Both Tehran and Washington had committed to fresh dialogue although Zebari said he did not have a date for a meeting.

The U.S.-Iranian security talks are one of the few forums in which officials from the two bitter foes have direct contact. Diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran have been frozen for almost three decades.

"We need a commitment by the parties to stick to the agreed date. This is not happening," Zebari said in an interview.

"We agree on a date, we pass it to both sides. We get the approval from both sides, then when the date comes there is always some last-minute stumbling block or change of mind."

U.S. and Iranian officials met three times last year to seek common ground on stabilising Iraq in talks arranged by the Baghdad government. The last time was in August.

Washington accuses Iran of giving weapons, training and funds to Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

Tehran denies the charges and blames the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 for violence in its neighbour. Both sides are also embroiled in a row over Iran's nuclear ambitions.