The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tehran

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Sunday assured Iran that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used as a platform to "harm" the Islamic republic, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"We will not allow Iraq to become a platform for harming the security of Iran and neighbours," Maliki said early Sunday after a late-night meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Tehran.

Maliki's comments come amid Iranian alarm over US pressure on Baghdad to sign an agreement that would keep US soldiers in the country beyond 2008. Iran has always called for the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

US President George W. Bush and Maliki agreed in principle last November to sign the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) by the end of July. But Iraq has now said it has a "different vision" from the United States on the issue.

Iran's concern about the deal comes amid renewed tensions over its nuclear programme, which the United States fears is aimed at making atomic weapons, a charge vehemently rejected by Tehran.

The United States has never ruled out a military attack to punish Tehran's defiance while Israel has also been warning there may be no alternative to a strike against Iran.

Maliki said, according to IRNA: "Iraq's stability and security can have a great impact on the region."

"We see the implementation of peace and security in Iraq and Iran as what both countries want."

The Shiite premier-on his third visit to Tehran since taking office two years ago-is on Sunday due to hold talks with other top officials including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.