The United States said on Wednesday that there is no change of policy towards Iran and Syria although it will join the two countries in talks on Iraq.

"There is no crack. A number of people have been characterizing U.S. participation in a regional meeting as a change in policy. It is nothing of the sort," White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

"We are not engaging in diplomatic recognition of Iran. We are not engaging in bilateral talks with Iran," Snow said.

Snow made the remarks after the United States said on Tuesday it would join high-level talks with Iran and Syria on the future of Iraq in a regional meeting. The Washington Post said in a report on Wednesday that this marks an abrupt policy shift that opens the door to diplomatic dealings the White House has shunned despite mounting criticism.

The bipartisan Iraq Study Group has called on the Bush administration to engage in talks with Iran and Syria on issues including Iraq. However, the Bush administration has largely ignored the proposal.

The United States has accused Iran and Syria of supporting terrorism and allowing terrorists to use their border to enter Iraq to fight against the U.S.-led coalition troops. Iran and Syria have denied the charges.

Editor: Donald