Iran, Bulgaria: Activity in Sofia a Prelude to Iranian-U.S. Talks?

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made his first visit to Bulgaria on May 28 for a meeting of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation states (a group in which Iran does not have membership, though it became a partner state in 2009). His visit closely follows CIA Director Leon Panetta's visit to Bulgaria and coincides with events commemorating the 15th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. Mottaki's already unusual visit is made more unusual by the presence of numerous U.S. intelligence and government officials — a sign that backchannel talks between Washington and Tehran could be forthcoming.