Iran President Denies Hizballah Charges

Ahmadinejad arriving in Dushanbe on July 25 (RFE/RL)

July 27, 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has said that a cease-fire must precede talks in Lebanon and accused the United States of trying to "recarve the map" in the Middle East.

Speaking on a two-day visit to Tajikistan, Ahmadinejad denied U.S. charges that Iran provides Hizballah with military support.

He also warned the United States about military action against his country, saying "only silly people would think about attacking Iran."

(AP)