[Iran Press TV Latest] Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has defended US President Barack Obama's attempts to engage in direct talks with Iran. "The Iranian government should not be able to claim that we have refused the opportunity for constructive dialogue," Blair said in an address to a forum on religion and politics in Chicago.
"The stature and importance of such an ancient and extraordinary civilization means that as a nation, Iran should command respect and be accorded its proper place in the world's affairs," The Sunday Times quoted Blair as saying on Thursday.
He said that the purpose of talks with Tehran should be halting Iran's nuclear program. "It is to put a stop to the Iranian regime's policy of destabilization and support of terrorism."