President George W. Bush will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel to his Texas ranch on Friday where they will seek to show unity on Iran even as Tehran defies the West over its nuclear programme.   

US defense officials have signaled that up-to-date attack plans are available if needed in the escalating crisis over Iran’s nuclear aims, although no strike appears imminent, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Malawi that Tehran has the political will to boost its ties with African countries, IRNA reported.