Washington: Iraqi PrimeMinister Nuri Al-Maliki said he would not allow his country to become abattleground for the US and Iran.

"We have told the Iranians and the Americans, we knowthat you have a problem with each other, but we are asking you, please solveyour problems outside Iraq,"Al-Maliki said to sources.

Al-Maliki also said he is convinced that Iranians wereinfluencing attacks on US soldiers.

"We will not accept Iranto use Iraqto attack the American forces," al-Maliki said.

 "We don't wantthe American forces to take Iraqas a field to attack Iran orSyria,"he said.

Already high tensions have risen in recent weeks between Iran and the US.

US President George W. Bush earlier this month accused Tehran of supporting Shiamilitants responsible for killing American troops. He has pledged to respond toIranian meddling in Iraqbut said that will not come in the form of an invasion.