However, Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and its enrichment work is aimed only at producing nuclear-generated electricity, not at making warheads.

The US vice president, who arrived in Ankara on Monday, has discussed a broad range of topics including the situations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, the Middle East peace process with other Turkish leaders.

On Monday, Cheney also met with President Abdullah Gul and the country's military chief, Gen. Yasar Buyukanit. But the meetings were closed to the media and no announcements were made afterward.

Cheney wrapped up his ten-day Middle East tour, which has taken him to Iraq, Oman, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestinian territories. Turkey is his last leg of his trip in the region.

His regional tour is part of the US strategy to keep the two sides, despite recent escalation, from straying off a framework of revived peace process before US President George W. Bush's presidency expires in January next year.

United States Vice President Dick Cheney (R Front) arrives in Ankara, Turkey, on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2008)