The chief United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq, Richard Butler, has categorically denied American newspaper reports that his team helped the United States collect intelligence information.

Mr Butler rejected allegations that American agents were allowed to listen in to secret communications between Iraqi security bodies responsible for protecting President Saddam Hussein.

He said the weapons inspectors had received intelligence information on Iraq from UN member states, but had used it only for purposes covered by their mandate; They had not passed it on to anyone.

An advisor to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, said Mr Annan was very angry about the charges.

The White House has refused to comment on the reports, which comes amid continuing tension over the air exclusion zones enforced by American and British planes in Iraq.

The Americans say they fired air-to-air missiles at Iraqi jets on Tuesday when they violated the zone.