(Xinhuanet) Iran is willing to negotiate with the Unite States on Iraqi issues now, the country's senior official said on Thursday.

    Speaking to reporters after making a speech to parliament, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said "We will accept the proposal to help resolve the problems in Iraq and establish an independent government there as it was made by Mr. Hakim, a top Islamic leader in Iraq."

    Three months after elections, negotiations on forming a power-sharing government have been in deadlock in Iraq and the country is now at the brink of a civil war.

    Iraqi Shi'ite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim had called on Shi'it Iran to help solve the disputes, and Tehran had previously said that it was not interested in getting involved unless U.S. troops pull out of Iraq.

    The U.S. has frequently accused Tehran of meddling affairs in Iraq. Iran denies the allegations.