U.S. weighs response to Iran proposal

According to the Associated Press news agency, President Bush at his weekly meeting at the White House with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed Tehran's response to a joint offer by the United States and the European Union for concessions in exchange for a suspension.

They made no statement afterward. Dana Perino, a White House spokeswoman, said the Iranian response was getting careful consideration and review"as it deserves."

By not flatly rejecting the proposal the administration indicated there may be a basis for dealing with long-held concerns that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran denies.

"The diplomats are continuing to look at it,"Perino said."We're working with our allies."

France took a firm and quick stand. Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blaze said Iran must suspend uranium enrichment if it wants to return to negotiations.

Russia's foreign ministry, evidently ambivalent, said it would continue to seek a negotiated solution. And China appealed for dialogue, urging"constructive measures"by Iran and patience from the United States and its allies.

Iran met its self-imposed deadline Tuesday for responding to the U.S.-European offer, which includes the possibility of U.S. help for civilian nuclear programs, but only if Iran stops uranium enrichment,a key step in making nuclear weapons.

The U.N. Security Council, meanwhile, has set the end of the month for Iran to respond to its demand for suspension of uranium enrichment.

The Bush administration has warned Iran that if it fails to comply the United States will pursue sanctions in the Security Council. This could range from minor punitive measures to hampering Iran's trade.

The House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile, issued a report that concluded Iran was a strategic threat and a country focused on developing nuclear weapons capability. It also linked Iran to Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorist groups.

"Iran's support of radical Islamists with weapons and money demonstrates in real terms the danger it poses to America and our allies,"said the committee's chairman, Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich. He said Iran"will not be satisfied until it poses a threat to the entire world."

The report also found gaps in the ability of U.S. intelligence agencies to keep up with developments in Iran's nuclear program and suggested hiring more intelligence agents who speak Farsi.

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