Iran says to target US interests if attacked

TEHRAN, Feb 8 (Reuters) Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said today the Islamic Republic would target US interests around the world if it came under attack, state television reported.

Iran and the United States are locked in a dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme, which Washington says is being used to build atomic bombs. US officials say they want diplomacy to end the standoff but have not ruled out force if that fails.

''The enemies know well that any aggression will lead to a reaction from all sides in the Iranian nation on the aggressors and their interests around the world,'' Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television.

''We believe that no one will make such an unwise and wrong move (to attack Iran) that would endanger their country and interests. Some say that the US president is not the type who acts based on calculations or thinks about the consequences of his action. But even these people can be brought to their senses,'' he said.

US President George W Bush has said he has no intention of invading Iran, though he has pledged to step up pressure on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme and what Washington calls Iran's meddling in Iraq.

Tehran insists its nuclear programme is purely civilian and says it is not backing militants in Iraq.

REUTERS SSC HS1800