Pakistan on Thursday welcomed a decision by the United States to join multilateral negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program as a step towards a diplomatic settlement of the crisis.

"The statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicating willingness of the United States to talk to Iran along with the European Union is a positive development," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We hope it would lead to a reduction of tensions and negotiations for a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue," it said.

Source: Xinhua