Escalating Violence in Iraq

Britain to cut thousands of troops in Iraq next year

(AFP)
Updated: 2006-11-28 10:58

He warned the Islamic republic against seeing Iraq as a "tool in a wider confrontation" with the international community, which is battling to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear plans.

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"Perhaps the most influential neighbour is Iran, and its behavior remains a cause of deep concern," he said. "It has influence inside Iraq: the power to turn up or turn down the heat, to turn on or turn off the dialogue.

"It is not using that influence well. Support from within Iran goes to groups who are attacking our forces, but also to groups who are simply fueling the sectarian violence," he added.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said he was seeking Iran's "comprehensive" help to stabilize Iraq as he started talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran on Monday.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently warned both Iran and Syria that they had a "strategic choice" in the Middle East, between supporting terrorism and partnership with the West.

Syria, on the other hand, "has shown signs of constructive engagement" since Damascus and Baghdad restored diplomatic ties earlier this month and agreed to cooperate on security.

The United States has accused Syria of turning a blind eye to insurgents crossing the border.