Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki stressed Tehran’s policy for developing ties with African countries, and said that the Islamic Republic strives to utilize potentials on both sides to bolster mutual cooperation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Wednesday the United States was in no position to start a war against Iran given its military commitment in Iraq.

Shi’ite pilgrims converged on the Iraqi city of Najaf on Wednesday amid tight security for their first major religious ceremony since clashes between Shi’ite militias killed 52 people in nearby Kerbala in August.