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Iranian president says talks with US possible

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-10 17:13

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he welcomes talks with United States but they must be based on mutual respect.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad flashes the victory sign as he waits for a meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Tehran, February 1, 2009. [Agencies]

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Ahmadinejad spoke Tuesday at celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution.

He says Iran is ready to hold talks with the US so long as it's in a "fair atmosphere and with mutual respect."

His announcement comes a day after US President Barack Obama said his administration is "looking at places where we can have constructive dialogue."

Ahmadinejad says the Obama administration says it's willing to "bring about a number of changes." But the hard-line Iranian leader says he hopes the changes are "fundamental and not just tactical."

The US and Iran severed relations after the 1979 revolution.