Iran debates terrorism stance

A top Iranian state body has been debating Tehran's stance towards the growing confrontation between the United States and Afghanistan.

The Expediency Council, which sets important policy guidelines, considered a report by Iran's National Security Council, which is headed by President Khatami.

The council called for an international coalition to fight terrorism, but cautioned against a hasty response to last week's attacks in the United States.

Any reaction, it said, should be based on strong proof and co-ordinated with the United Nations.

Correspondents say Iran is divided over its policy toward the United States, but appears to speak with one voice in condemning the attacks on New York and Washington. The British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, who is to visit Iran on Monday, is taking a message from the United States to the authorities in Tehran.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service