In an apparent policy shift by the U.S. government, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today offered direct talks with Iran on the condition it stop its uranium enrichment activities.

At a news conference, Rice said, "Iran must show it wants to negotiate 'in good faith' or face the consequences."

"It's time to know whether Iran is serious about negotiation or not."

Iran's official news agency said the offer was clearly a propaganda ploy by America, and that Iran has repeatedly said that the suspension of uranium enrichment is not on Iran's agenda and would not be considered as a precondition for talks about it's nuclear program.

Associated Press

"It's evident that the Islamic Republic of Iran only accepts proposals and conditions that meet the interests of the nation and the country. Halting enrichment definitely doesn't meet such interests," IRNA said at the end of a dispatch reporting the offer of talks by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"Given the insistence by Iranian authorities on continuing uranium enrichment, Rice's comments can be considered a propaganda move," IRNA said.

Earlier, an Iranian lawmaker was quoted as saying any direct talks with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program must be held without preconditions.

The administration obviously knows this will not work, but they have to put it on the table so they can say "we tried."