Iran willing to help US develop Iraq 'exit strategy': Deputy FM

LONDON (AFP) - Iran is willing to help its foe the United States develop an "exit strategy" from Iraq, the country's deputy foreign minister said in an interview published Wednesday.

Abbas Araghchi, speaking to the Financial Times business daily, also dismissed US allegations that Iran was supplying Iraqi insurgents with weapons, and added that no amount of pressure would convince Iran to give up its contested nuclear programme.

"Their invasion was a disaster -- let there not be a disastrous withdrawal," Aragchi told the paper.

"Yes, immediate withdrawal could lead to chaos, civil war. No one is asking for immediate withdrawal of foreign forces. But there should be a plan."