WASHINGTON — The Obama administration says it and five partner nations have accepted Iran's offer to hold talks, and a top Iranian official said Saturday it was possible the discussions could include Tehran's nuclear program.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said he welcomed talks with the U.S. and its partners, adding that "should conditions be ripe, there is a possibility of talks about the nuclear issue."

Mottaki's statement appeared to be a reversal of Iran's consistent refusal to discuss its nuclear program and a significant step up from its proposal earlier in the week when Tehran said it was willing to talk, but not about its nuclear ambitions.

On Friday, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters that although Iran's initial proposal for international talks presented on Wednesday was disappointing for sidestepping the nuclear issue, it represented a chance to begin a direct dialogue.

"We are seeking a meeting now based on the Iranian paper to see what Iran is prepared to do," Crowley said. "And then, as the president has said, you know, if Iran responds to our interest in a meeting, we'll see when that can occur. We hope that will occur as soon as possible."

President Barack Obama said in July that Iran should show a willingness to negotiate limits on its nuclear program by September or face consequences.