The United States confirmed on Monday that it is prepared to resume long-delayed talks with Iran on security in Iraq.

"We have reconfirmed to the Iraqi government our readiness to have these discussions (with Iran) focus on the security situation in Iraq. There's no date set for them," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

Washington conveyed the message Sunday to the Iraqi government, according to the spokesman.

The United States, which accuses Iran of providing weapons and funds to the insurgents to fight against coalition forces in Iraq, has held with Iran three rounds of talks over Iraq's security issue but failed to reach any agreement.

Iran denies U.S. accusations, saying "the U.S. just wanted to find excuses for its failed policies in Iraq" and it was the existence of U.S. forces made that war-torn country volatile.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)