Talking, Talking, Talking Happy Talk (with Iran)

UPDATE: It’s official now. We are in talks about talks. From Ms. Rice herself:

“To underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance prospects for success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table,” Rice said in remarks prepared for delivery at the State Department.

In other words, as soon as Iran has a President who reveals himself to be a Venutian. [Wait a minute. That could happen.-ed.] Meanwhile, Ms. Rice continues:

“We hope that in the coming days the Iranian government will thoroughly consider this proposal.”

On a satellite phone with Zarqawi.

ORIGINAL POST: According to this report of an hour ago, the US is in talks about talking with Iran:

The United States is prepared to join other nations in holding direct talks with Iran on its nuclear program in return for concessions from China and Russia, diplomats said Wednesday.

But the diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was confidential, said Washington would only do so if Beijing and Moscow agreed to back U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran if it refuses to give up uranium enrichment.

One of the diplomats told The Associated Press that the Bush administration was planning to make an official announcement later in the day on Washington’s conditional readiness to join in such talks.

You know, I think if anyone asks me about something from now on, I am going to tell them I am “speaking on condition of anonymity.” It certainly sounds cool and, who knows, I might get quoted in the New York Times.