Iraq said today it would not grant US troops freedom of movement for military operations in a new agreement being negotiated on extending the presence of American troops on its soil.
Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said the United States wanted its forces to operate with no restrictions, but this was not acceptable to Iraq.
The United States is negotiating an agreement with Iraq aimed at giving a legal basis for its troops to stay in Iraq after December 31st, when their United Nations mandate expires.
The negotiations are the subject of heated debate both in the United States and Iraq.
"What I can confirm now, with no hesitation, is that there will not be freedom of movement for American (forces) in Iraq," Mr Salih said.
US officials would not comment, but Western diplomats say it is unlikely the Americans would agree to any deal that would require them to seek permission from the Iraqi government for every military operation.
The talks have angered many Iraqis who suspect the United States of wanting to keep a permanent presence in Iraq.
But US ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker yesterday rejected such suggestions as "flatly untrue".