U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Thursday she was ready to meet "any time, anywhere" with Iran's leadership if it suspended its
enrichment of uranium.

"I repeat an offer that I have made several times, today. If Iran suspends its uranium enrichment, which is an international demand and not just an American one, then the United States is prepared to reverse 27 years of policy and I will meet with my Iranian counterpart any time, anywhere," Rice told a news conference.

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If such a meeting took place, Rice said both sides could discuss "every facet" of their relationship, which is strained over Iran's nuclear program. The United States says the program is aimed at building weapons, while Tehran says it is for peaceful, civilian power purposes.

Rice said until Tehran gave up its uranium enrichment program, the international community should continue to hold it accountable. Last month, the United Nations imposed financial sanctions against Iran.

The top U.S. diplomat also said Iran and Syria should "end their destabilizing behavior" in the region. Washington has accused both those nations of interfering in Iraq.

"The United States will defend its interests and those of our friends and allies in this vital region," she added.