Afghanistan, Iran deepening ties

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The presidents of Afghanistan and Iran are deepening ties despite cautions by U.S. President George Bush, it was reported Tuesday.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was making his first visit to Afghanistan since taking office, The Times of London reported.

In a news conference with Karzai, Ahmadinejad continued to deny Western intelligence reports that Iran is supplying weapons to terrorists in Afghanistan to thwart international efforts to stabilize the country, The Times reported.

"With all our force, we support the political process in Afghanistan," Ahmadinejad said. "For us, a secure and stable Afghanistan is the best."

At a meeting last week with Bush at Camp David, Md., Karzai called Iran a vital ally that is helping rebuild Afghanistan while fighting terrorism and drugs. Bush urged Karzai to be "very cautious" about whether Iran’s influence is a positive force for change.