TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Direct talks between Iran and the United States are possible, but any such breakthrough would have to be approved by the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s foreign minister said Monday.

The comments by Ali Akbar Salehi were a first sign Tehran may seek diplomatic overtures with what it long considers a nemesis in Washington, as sanctions over Iran’s contentious nuclear program stunt the country’s economy.

Recommended Stories

Sen.-elect Scott Colom undecided in Van Hollen-Schumer race: ‘I’m in listening mode’

Fifth Canadian soldier dies from injuries suffered in military training fire

Deputy working security at South Carolina gun show fatally shoots customer who shot him