US to unveil plans to open diplomatic outpost in Iran

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LONDON, Jul 17(AFP):The United States will announce in the next month plans to establish a diplomatic presence in Iran for the first time in 30 years, London's Guardian newspaper said today.

The administration of President George W. Bush plans to establish an interests section staffed with diplomats similar to its outpost in Cuba, the newspaper said without identifying any sources.

The White House and the US State Department declined to comment.

But a State Department official acknowledged last month that US officials have discussed the possibility of opening an interests section in Tehran.

"I know it has been discussed," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "I don't know how active it is."