TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- The “ground is prepared” for direct talks between Iran and the United States over the situation in war-ravaged Iraq, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said.

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian parliament gave tentative approval for the spending of an extra $2 bln and 200 mln on petrol imports but warned fuel rationing might be necessary.

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Russia said it believed Iran’s nuclear program was peaceful, and a political dialogue, not sanctions, must be used in talks with Tehran.