US opens virtual embassy to Iran

WASHINGTON - The United States opened a virtual online embassy on Tuesday to reach out to Iranians despite the absence of official ties, vowing to break through the country's "electronic curtain".

The virtual embassy, offers US policy statements in English and Farsi, information on US visas, news from US-funded Voice of America and links to share views via social media.

In a welcome message on the website, Clinton voiced hope that the platform would provide a way for Americans and Iranians to communicate "openly and without fear".