Dubai: Iran on March 22 denounced US-led war against Iraq, saying the invasion threatens the whole region and the world.

"This military attack, apart from the destructive damage, which has for the oppressed Iraqi people, is dangerous for the whole region and the world," Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said in his message to countrymen on the eve of Norouz, marking the new solar year of 1382.

"(This) is a threat against humanity and global peace, since it is based on a horrible illusion of a superpower, which since it has force, it has the right to impose its demands at will at whatever cost," the official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying.

"… We have opposed this move from the outset and today we again clearly condemn this military attack. Fortunately, we are not alone in the world; the human conscience today as well as the world public opinion and an important section of the American public opinion, which is unfortunately under the influence of American psychological bombardment, agree with us and condemn this aggression.

"… We have been watching the prevailing developments and we follow them up in an extensive co-ordination with the world countries and our friends. We always pursue our security and interests and try to protect them," he said.

Khatami said there is a palpable fear in Iran that after ousting Saddam Hussain, the US will turn to Iran, which it has described one of the three "axis of evil" countries and blamed for promoting terrorism in the world.

PTI