Iran's foreign minister is welcoming the United States' willingness to hold direct talks with Tehran in the standoff over its nuclear program but isn't committing to accepting the offer, The Associated Press reports.

Vice President Joe Biden told a security conference Saturday, Feb 2, the U.S. is prepared to talk directly with Iran but insisted Tehran must show it is serious.

Iran's Ali Akbar Salehi told the same conference Sunday that Iran views recent U.S. statements "with positive consideration."

But he was wary about prospects for talks. He says Iran must be sure the U.S. has "a fair and real intention to resolve the issue" and complains about "threatening rhetoric."

New talks involving all five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany are due soon. Salehi said they'd be held Feb 25 in Kazakhstan.