Iran rejects U.S. claims regarding Iraq

TEHRAN, July 12 (UPI) -- Washington is accusing Iran of meddling in Iraqi affairs as a ruse to keep its military forces stationed in the country, an Iranian official said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, during a visit to Baghdad this week, said U.S. forces in Iraq would confront Iran in its alleged support of Shiite militias operating in southern Iraq.

In an interview with The Washington Post last week, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey said there was "no doubt" that weapons used by Shiite militias against U.S. troops in Iraq came from Iran.

A source in the Iranian government was quoted by Iraqi satellite news channel al-Sumaria as saying that Washington was grasping at straws when it comes to military engagements overseas.

"The United States is facing a wave of hostility from Iraq's people, government and political parties," the source said on condition of anonymity. "They must leave Iraq by the end of 2011 and Afghanistan by 2014."

The 46,000 U.S. troops remaining in Iraq are to leave by Dec. 31 under the terms of a bilateral status of forces agreement reached in 2008. Some might remain to help with security and training if Iraq formally asks, Panetta said.