IRAN - June 20 - Tehran Opposes US Attacking Iraq.

Mohsen Rezaei, who commanded the Revolutionary Guards for 16 years, tells The FT: "The US will definitely attack Iraq. Even if Saddam lets the weapons inspectors in, the US will attack. Iran opposes such a move as we opposed the attack on Afghanistan, but I believe Iran would be neutral and keep its impartiality". (Analysts say Rezaei's comments should not be seen as a green light for the US to intervene in Iraq, but rather as an indication that Iran would not lend tacit support as it did last year during the US campaign in Afghanistan through its backing of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance). Rezaei says: "Our government is very dissatisfied with the behaviour of the US in Afghanistan, which had a very negative impact on Iran. In Afghanistan we really co-operated within the framework of the United Nations, but the US did not show correct behaviour towards Iran". EU diplomats in Tehran said Rezaei's comments reflect how the more pragmatic among Iranian leaders are frustrated that their response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the US and subsequent co-operation in supporting the interim administration in Afghanistan did not lead to a serious dialogue between Tehran and Washington. US Pres. Bush's bracketing of Tehran in an "axis of evil" alongside Iraq and North Korea came as a shock to the reformist administration led by Pres. Khatami and strengthened traditionalist theologians opposed to re-establishing ties with the US. Bush's verbal attack on Iran was based on concern over Tehran's alleged pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and its support for militant Palestinian groups. EU diplomats think the "axis of evil" speech, made in late January, was a tactical mistake from the point of view of engaging Tehran's co-operation in bringing about "regime change" in Baghdad. Although Iran, which fought a devastating 1980-88 war with US-backed Iraq, actively supports Iraqi opposition groups, the ayatollahs in Tehran are more convinced than ever that the fall of Saddam is seen in Washington as a prelude to removing their own theological regime. The continued US military presence in Afghanistan and the opening of bases in several Central Asian countries has heightened their fears of encirclement.