Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian President, has flatly denied American
charges that his country is supplying sophisticated weaponry to Shia
militant groups, saying that Washington was blaming others in order to hide
its own defeat in Iraq.
"The US administration and [President George] Bush are used to accusing
others," Mr Ahmadinejad told ABC television's Good Morning America
yesterday, less than 24 hours after US military officials in Baghdad showed
reporters part of what they called "a growing body" of evidence that
roadside bombs and other devices made in Iran had been used to kill 170
American and coalition soldiers.
The officials displayed fragments of some of the weapons involved, claiming
that those at the "highest levels" of government in Tehran were involved in
arming Iraqi militants. But the fact that US forces were "showing some
pieces of papers" and calling them documents proved nothing, the Iranian
President said.
Mr Ahmadinejad's remarks came amid growing fears that the Bush
administration was moving towards some form of military action against Iran,
probably aimed at nuclear facilities involved in what Washington says is a
programme to build an atomic weapon.
There were, however, signs that both sides are seeking to cool things down.
Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, was notably restrained, saying merely
that "if the President of Iran wants to put a stop to it, we wish him luck
and hope he'll do it real soon".
Mr Ahmadinejad also sounded less belligerent than usual, insisting he wanted
dialogue, and arguing that turmoil in Iraq did not serve Iran's interests.
"We shy away from any kind of conflict, any kind of bloodshed," he said.
World problems could be solved through dialogue, logic "and a sense of
friendship".
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 13°C
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Federer and Nadal set for Centre court final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel