Diplomats at the United Nations in New York say Baghdad has said it will no longer accept the presence of Americans or Britons in the UN humanitarian aid teams working in Iraq.

However, the UN says it has received nothing in writing from the Iraqis.

The move follows last month's bombing and missile raids on Iraq by American and British forces.

Correspondents say it could jeopardise the UN-administered programme that allows Iraq to sell a limited amount of oil in exchange for food, medicine and other essential supplies.

The UN has a policy of not allowing governments to dictate the composition of its teams.