Saudi Arabia has indicated it could allow US forces access to its bases to launch military strikes on Iraq.
But Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal told CNN last night such action would have to be endorsed by the UN and remained a last resort.
He also urged Saddam Hussein to quickly allow the return of UN weapons inspectors to ward off an attack. The prince's comments came after months of Saudi opposition to the idea of attacking Iraq.
US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell said a strict deadline and clear consequences must be set out in any UN resolution demanding Iraq allow a return of arms inspectors. He said a resolution could come in weeks rather than months.
"And then I believe a third element of any resolution, or combination of resolutions, has to be what the UN will do, what the international community will do, if he Saddam Hussein does not act in the way that has been demanded by the United Nations," he said.
The British Government is reportedly struggling to persuade Labour MPs and the public to support Britain's role in US-led military action.
It is claimed the long-awaited dossier presenting evidence against Saddam may fail to produce enough evidence.
PA