SelectPlusIran's President Backs Stronger U.S. RelationsIran's President Backs Stronger U.S. RelationsThe Associated PressIran's president said that the country would consider a U.S. request to set up a diplomatic office in Tehran. (July 13)Despite Iran's potentially provocative launch of test missiles it says can reach Israel and American bases in the Middle East, there are continuing signs of a diplomatic thaw. Iran's president said he's open to expanded relations with the United States.(NATS IN FARSI)MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT: "EXPANSION OF TIES IS CORRECT IN OUR OPINION AND WE WOULD WELCOME ANY PROPOSAL OR MOVE THAT HELPS TO THE EXPANSION OF TIES BETWEEN NATIONS." President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (ah-muh-DEE'-neh-zhahd) says Iran would welcome any proposal for the U-S to open an interests section in Tehran. Secretary of State Condolezza Rice has said that the U-S is considering that move. The United States broke diplomatic ties with Iran following the fall of the shah...