Iran will harm US interests if attacked -leader

TEHRAN, Apr 26 (Reuters) Iran will harm US interests anywhere in the world if the United States launches an attack on the Islamic Republic, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today.

''The Americans should know that if they assault Iran their interests will be harmed anywhere in the world that is possible,'' he was quoted as saying by a state television announcer.

''The Iranian nation will respond to any blow with double the intensity,'' the leader added.

Iran has been referred to the UN Security Council for possible action over its nuclear programme, which Western countries say is a smokescreen for building an atomic bomb. Tehran denies the charge.

The United States has said it wants a diplomatic solution to the stand-off, but has not ruled out a military strike.

REUTERS DKS PM1531