Iraq gloated over the global outpouring of opposition to the US threat of attack today, saying anti-war demonstrations in dozens of countries signalled an Iraqi victory and “the defeat and isolation of America”.

The United States is committed to preserving Iraq as a single nation after any war, Secretary of State Colin Powell has said.

Saddam Hussein says Iraq is steadfast in the face of threats and he has rejected dialogue with Kurdish parties in the north of the country.

Iraq has threatened to retaliate after last night's US-British air strikes.