WASHINGTON, March 17 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior U.S. official said here Friday that Tehran's offer to hold talks with the United States on Iraq might be an attempt to "divert pressure" on its nuclear ambitions.

    Iran's offer is "simply a device by the Iranians to divert pressure that they are feeling in New York," White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley told reporters.

    Iran waited for months to agree to a U.S. offer to hold talks, and did so only after Tehran's nuclear program was referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, Hadley said.

    Iran said Thursday that it was ready to open direct talks with the United States over Iraq. In response, the White House accepted the offer, and authorized U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzadto hold talks with Iran.

    However, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said, "This is a very narrow mandate dealing specifically with issues relating to Iraq."

    The United States has been accusing Iran of stirring up trouble in Iraq, such as by providing components for homemade bombs used against Iraqi and American targets. Enditem