Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday he was ready to hold direct talks with Saudi Arabia to improve their ties after they were shaken by an alleged Iranian plot to kill a Saudi diplomat, dpa reported.
In an interview with Egypt's semi-official newspapaer Al Akhbar, Ahmadinejad accused the United States of spreading "this lie" to drive a wedge between Iran and the oil-rich kingdom.
In October, the US said it had uncovered an Iranian-backed plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged plot.
"The US is afraid of any friendship between us and the Saudis," said Ahmadinejad.
"We should block its attempts by making an effort to enhance ties of friendship between us," he added.
The Saudis reacted angrily to news of the alleged plot and reported it to the United Nations.
"The US harbours the wish of dealing a military strike to Iran. (Former president George W) Bush had the same wish. But where is he now?" Ahmadinejad said.
US President Barack Obama has demanded fresh sanctions against Iran, saying: "We don't take any options off the table."