US warns Iran over Iraq bomb attacks, Rice says

LONDON (Reuters) – The United States has issued a stern
warning to Iran over the Islamic republic’s possible
involvement in helping insurgent bomb attacks in Iraq,
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Sunday.

Washington has backed accusations from its closest ally
Britain that there is evidence insurgents laying roadside
bombs, or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in southern Iraq
might be using sophisticated technology linked to neighboring
Iran.

The United States has no formal diplomatic ties with Iran
but occasionally talks to the government through Swiss
diplomats in Tehran or through the Islamic republic’s
ambassador to the United Nations in New York.

“We have — let me emphasize — we have had limited
contacts with the Iranians when it is necessary,” Rice told
reporters in London ahead of talks with British Prime Minister
Tony Blair on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“We have tried to deliver a message … about this issue of
IEDS in southern Iraq,” she said.

“We have channels with which to do it. But we use them
sternly and pretty specifically to deliver messages.”

Her remarks underscore how Britain’s accusations have
fueled tensions with Iran at a time when London and Washington
are seeking U.N. action over Tehran’s nuclear program.

This month, Blair said there was evidence which linked Iran
or its Lebanese Hizbollah allies to roadside bombs that often
target British troops, although he added there was no proof.

He said the bombs may have been an attempt by Iran to
intimidate Britain over its tough stance in talks to limit
Tehran’s use of nuclear technology.

Iran and Hizbollah have denied any links to the bombs.