'Iraq not central to US attack on Iran'

Iraqi puppet Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari says Washington has 'other alternatives' for launching attacks in the Middle East than Iraq.

In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Zebari said the Baghdad government has made it 'absolutely clear' that Iraq will not be used for 'any offensive actions' against any of its neighbors, including Iran.

When asked whether Washington would be barred from launching air strikes from bases within the Iraqi territory to attack camps inside Iran, Zebari said, "Here the US has US military ability beyond Iraq."

The Bush administration says the use of military option remains on the table to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Tehran, however, maintains its nuclear activities are aimed at the civilian use of the technology.

The top Iraqi diplomat added that despite difficulties, the proposed US-Iraq security pact could be signed 'by the end of July'. Press TV