Iran rules out US strike

Abu Dhabi: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday he did not see the possibility of a US strike against his country.

"The possibility of a strike on Iran over its nuclear programme is a thing of the past, as no one would dare, or even think about, attacking us.

"Striking Iran is unlikely, rejected and has been relegated to the pages of history ... Moreover, those who proposed it can no longer raise it anymore," Ahmadinejad told a press conference here yesterday as he wrapped up a landmark two-day visit to the UAE.

"They are too weak to even contemplate a strike on Iran. This is completely unlikely and they know that if they committed this sin, the Iranian response would be harsh and cause them regret."

Reiterating that Iran's nuclear activities are in keeping with the rules and standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ahmadinejad said that superpowers can not stop Iran from acquiring peaceful nuclear energy.

Ahmadinejad said collective security arrangement between Iran and the Gulf countries, and not the presence of foreign troops, can ensure security and stability in the region.

"We will support any initiative to protect the rights of the people in this region and we believe that the governments and people of the Gulf can ensure security and stability in the region. The presence of foreign troops can cause nothing but harm," he said.

Egypt ties

Ahmadinejad said that Iran was ready to resume ties with Cairo if the Egyptian Government were interested. "If Egyp said it was ready to resume ties, we will open our embassy there before the end of that day," he said.