Despite back-channel overtures from Tehran, the chance for breakthrough contacts between Iran and United States is rapidly dimming. Washington has ruled out direct negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, while Iran — at least publicly — says it no longer want to hold talks on Iraq. Only months ago, the foes were saying they would hold high-level meetings on how to stabilize war-torn Iraq, where Iran holds enormous influence. That raised hopes that talks could also begin on the dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Full Story