Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says Tehran will consider US President-elect Barack Obama's call for talks after January 21.

In reaction to Obama adviser's remarks regarding direct talks with Iran, Mottaki said: “We are considering the remarks made by the Americans, but we are waiting for their words and stance after 21 January [when Obama takes office].” Fars news agency reported.

Dennis Ross, Obama's adviser on the Middle East, said in Denver on Tuesday that Washington needed to engage the Iranians directly. “Barack Obama made it clear he was prepared to engage Iran directly, but he also said we have to prepare," The Denver Post quoted Ross as saying.

Iran's top diplomat stressed that deciding on the Obama administration's overture “requires patience and more review.”

Mottaki said that the US has not made any request for an interest section in Tehran.

MGH/RE