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Iraqi PM Says He Wants to End Tensions Between Iran and US

by Associated Press

   BAGHDAD --

   State-run Iraqi media is quoting Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi as
   saying that Baghdad will send delegations to the U.S. and Iran to help
   end tensions between the two countries.

   Abdul-Mahdi, whose country has close ties to both Iran and the U.S.,
   said Tuesday that Iranian and U.S. officials have informed Iraq that
   they have "no desire in fighting a war."

   Abdul-Mahdi said Iraq is "playing a role to calm the situation but it
   is not a mediation." He said he will visit Kuwait on Wednesday to
   discuss regional issues.

   Last week, the U.S. ordered the evacuation of nonessential diplomatic
   staff from Iraq amid unspecified threats from Iran and rising tensions
   across the region.

   The White House has sent warships and bombers to the region to counter
   the alleged Iranian threats.