Washington, Feb 08: American officials have held a private meeting with Iranian envoys in Europe to seek a pledge of humanitarian help and an assurance that Tehran will not interfere in possible US-led war on Iraq. The US officials have also asked Iran to join search-and-rescue missions for any downed US air crews and asked them to deny refuge to fleeing Iraqis who might cross into their territory and regroup against a Washington supported government in Baghdad, a media report said today. US and UN officials report that signals from Tehran have been encouraging, although the Iranian Government opposes military action. American envoys while seeking a measure of help from Iran at a meeting which was held last month also reassured the Iranians that prospective war for control of Baghdad would not target them, a US official said.
Iran, along with Iraq and North Korea, form what US President George W Bush has described as the "axis of evil." In London this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi had said that a war would have repercussions in Iran and that "Iran is basically against war and is not going to support either side."
Bureau Report