Iraq official says "big fat no" to attack on Iran

Iraq official says "big fat no" to attack on Iran

By Andrew Gray Fri Oct 5, 6:29 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraq's national security adviser said on Friday he strongly opposed any military attack on Iran and, in contrast to the Bush administration's policy, said the option should not even be considered.

"Attacking Iran? I say a big fat no. It's a fatal mistake," Mowaffak al-Rubaie said. "It should never be an option at all."

The United States accuses Iran of using its nuclear program to develop atomic weapons and of funding, training and equipping militia groups that attack U.S. troops in Iraq. Tehran denies both charges.

President George W. Bush has said repeatedly that he is committed to diplomacy to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program but all options remain on the table.

more