No intention of war with Iran, US says

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) The White House dismissed threats from a top Iranian official today, saying the United States has no intention of going to war with Iran.

Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had said the Islamic Republic would target US interests around the world if it came under attack over its disputed nuclear programme.

''Khamenei from time to time makes these unprovoked statements and we would certainly hope they are not directed at the United States because President Bush has made it clear we have no intention of going to war with Iran,'' said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.

In addition to Khamenei's remarks, an Iranian naval commander said the Revolutionary Guards had test fired missiles that could sink ''big warships'' in the Gulf, the waterway where a second US aircraft carrier is now heading.

Of this development, Johndroe said: ''They run various exercises from time to time in the Persian Gulf. We monitor those exercises.'' President George W Bush has vowed to find a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions, which Tehran denies is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon.

But he has said if Iranian agents attempt to kill American forces or Iraqi citizens inside Iraq, ''we will stop them.'' REUTERS BDP RAI2113