The United States said Thursday it would not be appropriate for Iran to attempt to mediate an end to the stand-off between the US-led coalition in Iraq and Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
The State Department said Washington would be pleased if a delegation from Tehran now in Baghdad used its influence with the Shia community to promote the authority of the Iraqi interim administration, but that it should not seek a greater role, particularly in the holy city of Najaf where Sadr is holed up.
"Our view - and this has been communicated to the Iranians as well - is that it's not appropriate for them to try to mediate in some way," spokesman Richard Boucher said.
"It is appropriate for them to try to work with the authorities in Baghdad, to try to work with the Iraqis who are in leadership roles ... and bring whatever influence to bear that they can that would help stabilize the situation peacefully and allow the extension of governmental authority," he said.
Boucher said that a representative of the US occupation authority sat in on a meeting between the Iranian delegation and British officials and delivered Washington's message.
Earlier Thursday in Iraq, coalition officials had also sought to play down Iran's role in the Sadr situation.
Washington has sent thousands of armored infantry to the region around Najaf, where Sadr took refuge after militia loyal to him launched an insurgency more than 10 days ago.
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