Talks between Iranian and American delegates on the security situation in Iraq begin in Baghdad on Monday.
The Arab media is describing Monday’s meeting as the most significant talks between officials of the two countries in 27 years.
Officials from both sides say the ambassador-level meeting will be focused exclusively on the situation in Iraq, in an effort to improve the deteriorating security situation there.
Talks will not touch on Iran’s controversial nuclear program, which has sparked tension between the two countries, officials said.
The international community, and especially Washington, is concerned that Iran is covertly building a military nuclear program, a claim that Iran denies.
So far, diplomatic efforts to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear program have failed.
Two American aircraft carriers entered the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for military maneuvers, generating new concerns of a possible military standoff between the two countries.
The United States Navy denies it is preparing for a military showdown with Iran.
Iran and the U.S. have had no diplomatic relations since 1980.
Ahead of the talks, the two countries have exchanged accusations, blaming each other for heightening tension in the region.
Washington accuses Tehran of supporting Shi’ite and Sunni fighters in Iraq and destabilizing the country.
Tehran says it has uncovered a network of spies run by the U.S. and its allies inside Iran. It says the only way security will prevail in Iraq is through the departure of American troops.