Maliki cautions U.S. against Iran attack

BAGHDAD, July 5 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has cautioned the United States against using Iraqi territory to carry out attacks on Iran.

Maliki's statements came in a Friday video link meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush, al-Alam reported.

Maliki said he was concerned about military pressure aimed at Iran regarding the country's nuclear activities, adding he would not permit U.S. forces to use Iraqi land, airspace and waterways as a means for attacking states in the region.

He said the Mideast is in a "fragile" state and "fomenting tension in the region and pushing for military action against Tehran could wreak havoc on the entire region, including Iraq."

Maliki said diplomacy would be the most effective way to resolve conflict surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.