Saddam objects to any US attack on Iran

Saddam Hussein says his country opposes any US attack on Iran.

Saddam's comments are his first such defence of Iran since George Bush made his "axis of evil" remark.

"We are against an attack on Iran for many reasons," Saddam said in a Cabinet meeting, according to the official Iraqi News Agency.

"If anyone imagines otherwise, he should listen to us clearly. We are not of the kind that plays with words or compromises. Our stance is firm."

Iraq and Iran fought a 1980-88 war, and continue to accuse each other of harbouring opponents of their respective governments.

According to INA, Saddam said his country opposes an attack on Iran because "the American acts and methods carry obvious tyranny and obvious, evil hostility against peoples and nations."

He added that any harm to Iran and its security negatively affects Iraq.

Bush's recent remarks have increased speculation Iraq, which has rejected a US warning to let in U.N. weapons inspectors or face unspecified consequences, may become a target of a U.S. attack.

Iraq says it has dismantled its weapons of mass destruction, but has refused to let in the inspectors, who left the country in 1998.