Washington: A top US military official has repeated allegations that Iran is harbouring members of the al- Qaida network, despite denials by Tehran. "The issue with Iran is pretty clear", Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told ‘NBC’ television's 'Today' programme on May 26. "We have to eliminate the safe havens where the terrorists are, and Iran of course has some of the al-Qaida members," ‘Dawn’ quoted Myers as saying. "The reports are that al-Qaida has been in Iran off and on for some time, particularly after our actions in Afghanistan," Myers said. He also restated US allegations that Iranian elements are trying to destabilise Iraq. "Some portions of Iranian-backed forces and organizations are in Iraq right now trying to influence events there, to the coalition's detriment." His comments came after weekend news reports that top US officials were preparing to meet on May 27 to discuss US strategy toward Iran, including possible Pentagon plans to foment a popular uprising there. According to one news report, officials will discuss suspending all contact with Iran, but Myers could not confirm that. “I’ll probably be going to that meeting, so I'll know more after we have the meeting," he said. ANI