U.S., Iran agree on need to oust Taliban from Afghanistan
 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Kyodo) - The United States and Iran have agreed on the need to oust Afghanistan's ruling Taliban from power in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on New York and Washington, a diplomatic source said Friday.

The move marks a step forward in expanding dialogue between the two countries, which have had no diplomatic relations since 1979. The accord came at talks among Germany, Italy, Iran and the U.S., the source said.

Before the terror attacks, the four countries held talks every two to three months to discuss stability in Afghanistan. Since the attacks, they have already held talks three times, the source said.

The U.S. is seeking to establish a broad-based antiterrorism government in Afghanistan in the event of the Taliban collapsing under the U.S.-led military campaign, which began on Oct. 7, against the ruling militia.

Iran, opposed to the Taliban, hopes to see a friendly government in the neighboring country.