The New Nation - Internet Edition

APP, Kuala Lumpur

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday downplayed the threat of an attack on his country by the United States, saying it would be "political suicide" for US President George W. Bush.

He also said that the Iranian people stood ready to defend their country in the event of any attempt to close down the nation's nuclear programme.

"Any finger that will trigger the bullet, the Iranian people will cut it," he told a press conference at the D-8 summit of developing nations.

Ahmadinejad said the US was no longer in a position to make an assault on Iran.

"In the US, his wise scholars will not allow Mr. Bush to commit political suicide and of course the economic, political and military situation will not allow Mr. Bush to do that," he said.

"(Bush) is not in a situation to change circumstances in his favour."

The United States and its top regional ally Israel have never ruled out attacking Iran over its nuclear drive, which the West fears could be aimed at making nuclear weapons.

There has been concern an attack against Iran could be imminent after it emerged Israel had carried out manoeuvres in Greece that were effectively practice runs for a potential strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Ahmadinejad also called for US military bases across the world to be "eradicated".

"The greatest threat in the Middle East and to countries in the world is US intervention," he said. "The military bases in the whole world should be eradicated and removed."

The Iranian leader, who is embroiled in a wrangle with the West over Iran's nuclear enrichment programme, called on the major powers to "withdraw from animosity and hostile actions against us".

"Justice, peace and friendship is also to their benefit," he said, accusing the US of focusing on "propaganda and psychological warfare".

"We are doing our utmost efforts to provide security and peace at the world level. I assure you, and don't be worried, that there will be war in the future."