... as candidate Rezaei seeks path for US talks

TEHERAN: The only conservative challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran's upcoming elections proposed yesterday a step-by-step approach to improve ties with the United States and called the election of President Barack Obama an important shift in America's attitude toward Iran.

The comments by Mohsen Rezaei broadened his attacks on Ahmadinejad to include his handling of foreign affairs and offered clearer hints of his plans for possible outreach to Washington if elected.

He also said he was open to talks with the West on Iran's nuclear program and proposed forming an international consortium to oversee uranium enrichment in Iran.