Some posters here say US/EU rivalry? I have always thought US & EU work hand in glove. I get it now.
The Allies may argue or compete when it comes to oily matters (Iran) but when it comes to pushing for a similar goal (Myanmar), they will unite.just like sending their naval vessels off Myanmar.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

David Miliband should echo Obama and stop sucking up to the neocons. Only a policy of real engagement can bring about reconciliation with Iran. Perhaps at some level the EU3 are worried that a better Iran-US relation will weaken their role in the Middle East given the capacities of both Iran and US.

Sinamac, London, UK

The UK has an active Embassy in Iran and BP and Shell (until just recently) are dealing with the government of Iran. What have the EU3 achieved so far with dealing with Iran? Profit. So why can't the Americans do the same? Maybe the same. Maybe more. Of course then there would be competition.

Payman Abdali, Tehran, Iran

“The role of Iran as a source of instability in the region is undoubtedly a concern,” Mr Miliband said this week.

What? Who has Iran invaded upon entirely false claims? Who rubblized Iraq? How many have really died in Iraq since this invasion, anywhere from half to a million, no one knows. etc.

tarquinis, Seattle, USA

“No one can watch armed militias coming on to the streets in defiance of UN resolutions with equanimity.”

Agreed. But then again, everyone watch but were helpless when US & UK invaded Iraq even when the UN was opposed to such action.

Yes, Mr.Obama should seek common grounds with Iran.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

I strongly believe Western foreign policy of world dominance, of allied action against single countries, of threats and sanctions are not winning friends but driving countries to an opposing side or group. Soon it will be West against the world.
We really want to see a single world living in peace.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Milliband "the sayan" emerges, as a threat Brown, and the ME.

Gama, Reading, UK

Iranian people, very much like our own American people, will support their government when their nation is verbally and physically attacked. Our American people reacted with strong nationalism in support of President George Bush following September 11 attack on our nation.

Saint Michael Traveler, San Diego, USA

If all these talks are in reality to replace action, it is disgraceful and a shameful. Talk is cheap, just for economic reason; the west has allowed itself to be led by the nose, by the world’s principal terrorist financier, the illegitimate regime of medieval ayatollahs occupying Iran.

John, Atlanta, GA

If the foreigh secretary is really serious about changing Iran's policy, push the allies including Japan and China to stop buying their oil. The dictatorial clerical regime will collapse within a year and Iranians will be free of these criminals. Increasing their cost through sanctions is futile.

George, London, UK

Obanana sees all things. Being the omniscient long awaited messiah he knows the beginning from the end. It's a shame quantum physicists don't sit down and talk with him, for he has already surpassed them, transcending the physical /metaphysical divide, and has discovered the 'theory of everything".

Don Schulze, Kigali, Rwanda

As a teacher, one of the first things we do when two young people get into a fight is to sit them down and get them to talk to each other. So why do our senior politicians continue to refuse to talk to leaders of so-called enemy states? Perhaps they are too fond of having a bogey man to scare us.

ACS, Bristol, UK

"There is also deep concern about Iran’s support for Iraqi Shia militias or terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah."

Some press was saying Iran has ties with Al Qaeda. Does it, or does it not?

Carolyn, the money spent on war actually help to fill up the pockets of some us VIPs.

cucu, redmond, us

As far as Obama goes, not only does he have an ability to see nuances that others miss, but he's able to envision all these minute details into a unified whole with liberating clarity! He is a supreme negotiator with a developed ability to listen, to hear and to respond with compassion and vision.

Teri, Forks, Washington, USA

Brititan talks to Iran,Syria and the palenstines talk, Saudi Arabia,and Iran talks, The Priminster of Iraq kisses the Iranian when he visits their country, after being given a warm welcome. and George Bush has to sneak when he goes to Iraq[and our soildiers are dying their, I money is going their] .

Carolyn LeBeauf, Baton Rouge, United States

Who cares what milliband thinks? He's a nobody and I doubt whether Obama has even heard of him.

Albert Hall, Kettering,

Interesting. Great Britain "maintains diplomatic relations" with Iran. Doesn't that include talking to Iran without "preconditions?"

So why the tendency to portray the U.S.'s unwillingness to do the same as having some huge advantage? Or some innuendo here implying that Obama is a threat?

Steve, Oklahoma, USA

I think it important to understand what is signified by McCain's criticism of Obama's "experience". That is to say that all of McCain's advisors are adamant that their advice is correct and that Obama portends a different course. Should present grotesquely failed policies continue or not? No!

Bob Pomeroy, Bisbee, AZ, USA

And just what has the present policy of stubborn hostility gotten us? Is more of the same really the way to proceed?

August West, Tampa, FL USA

"Negotiation" and "diplomacy" are not policies: they are activities, or techniques. Obama needs to be clear about what his policies are. Then we can decide if unconditional negotiations are a good way of implementing those policies.

Nick, Rotherham, UK