US President George W Bush warned Iran today not seek to destabilize Afghanistan's interim government.
He also demanded that Tehran hand over any al-Qaeda members seeking refuge in Iran.
Mr Bush's comments came after a spokesman for the governor of the Afghan city of Kandahar accused Tehran of interfering in two nearby provinces, charging that an Iranian official brought arms and cash for local commanders.
"If they in any way shape or form try to destabilize the government, the coalition will deal with them, in diplomatic ways initially," the US president said.
"We would like very much for them to be active participants in a stable Afghanistan. It's to their advantage," said Mr Bush. Iran was a prominent backer of the Northern Alliance which battled the Taliban from its base in the country's north before the US-led bombing campaign enabled it to sweep down to Kabul and the rest of the country.
"We would hope that they would continue to be a positive force in helping us bring people to justice. We would hope, for example, they wouldn't allow al-Qaeda murderers to hide in their country," said Mr Bush.
AFP