Amid growing contention among Democratic presidential contenders about U.S. policy toward Iran, a senior Republican lawmaker has appealed to President George W. Bush to pursue "direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks" with Tehran.

The appeal, which was sent to Bush by Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel two weeks ago, noted that Washington's diplomatic efforts to use economic pressure to persuade Iran to freeze its nuclear programme were "stalling" amid "growing differences with our international partners" that are likely to continue widening.

"Unless there is a strategic shift," according to Hagel's letter, which was also sent to other top administration officials, including Pentagon chief Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, "I believe we will find ourselves in a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months."

"Now is the time for the United States to actively consider when and how to offer direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran," it went on, adding that such a move should be combined with continued efforts with U.S. allies to press Iran through economic sanctions, including a third U.N. Security Council Resolution.

"An approach such as this would strengthen our ability across the board to deal with Iran," it went on. "Our friends and allies would be more confident to stand with us if we seek to increase pressure, including tougher sanctions, on Iran. It could create a historic new dynamic in U.S.-Iran relations, in part by forcing the Iranians to react to the possibility of better relations with the West."

The letter, which was disclosed by Steven Clemons, director of the national strategy programme at the New America Foundation (NAF), on his influential blog, thewashingtonnote.com, comes amid increased speculation over the likelihood of a U.S. military attack against Iran some time next year. ...

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