"Military option against Gaddafi could turn the country into a Western military base"

While warning the West against use of military option to oust Libyan strongman Moamer Gaddafi, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying on the website of Iran's English-language Press TV channel on Tuesday that such action could turn the country into a Western military base.

Mehmanparast condemned the "inhumane violence" unleashed by Gaddafi loyalists against Libya's "popular movement" but said this "should not provide an excuse for military interference by other countries."

His remarks came in response to reports that the West, including the United States, was weighing a military option against embattled Gaddafi and as the US warships were heading to Libya.

Iran has also blasted the United States over accusations Tehran is arming and training militants in Afghanistan.
  
US Rear Admiral Gregory Smith claimed on Monday that the Islamic republic was offering "support in training, financial support, and equipment, mostly ammunition" to Afghan militants.
  
Iran said his claims were unsubstantiated. "Remarks by Americans accusing Iran of supporting militants in Afghanistan are baseless and unacceptable," Mehmanparast said. "Stability in Afghanistan is directly linked to stability in the region and in Iran. It is therefore quite natural for us to support every effort aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan."
  
Mehmanparast said the White House was concerned about opposition to the US presence in the Middle East. "What is worrying American officials is the wave of popular protests against the US presence in the region and its interference in their political and military affairs," he said.