US troops may protect selves from Iranians : Bush

WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (Reuters) President George W Bush today said US forces in Iraq have authority to protect themselves against Iranians attempting to launch attacks inside Iraq.

''It makes sense that if somebody is trying to harm our troops or stop us from achieving our goals or killing innocent citizens in Iraq, that we will stop them,'' Bush said. ''It's an obligation we all have to protect our folks and achieve our goals.'' But Bush said any operations against Iranians would be conducted only inside Iraq. Two weeks ago his comments about going after Iranian networks operating in Iraq prompted speculation in Washington that the United States might launch attacks inside Iran.

Speaking to reporters today, he said ''that's a presumption that simply is not accurate. We believe that we can solve our problems with Iran diplomatically.'' Bush spoke after talks with Army Gen David Petraeus, just confirmed by the US Senate to take command of the Iraq war.

Faced with opposition from many in the US Congress to his new Iraq strategy of sending 21,500 more troops to Iraq, Bush said those opposed should offer their own plan.

REUTERS SI RK2140