The U.S. tried, and Iran said go fly a kite:

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States said Wednesday it would join in face-to-face talks with Iran over its disputed nuclear program if Tehran first agreed to put challenged atomic activities on hold, a shift in tactics meant to offer the Iranians a last chance to avoid punishing sanctions.

Iran dismissed the offer as "a propaganda move."

Not surprising, but it gives the administration more ammunition than it would have had to convince the doubters that a tough line toward the Iranians is the essential course.