US says Iranian President’s comments open possible new path for diplomacy

The United States said Thursday that comments by Iranian President Hassan Rowhani had opened up a possible new path for diplomacy, and urged Tehran to engage “substantively” with the West.

In an interview, Rowhani suggested a new flexibility in Tehran’s approach to nuclear talks which have dragged for years as the international community seeks to rein in Iran’s suspect nuclear program.

“I think Rowhani’s comments have been very positive, but everything needs to be put to the test and we’ll see where we go,” US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters.

“At the right moment, I think the White House and the State Department will make clear where we’re heading.”