French news agency (AFP) cited US ambassador to Baghdad as saying : Iran can never conquer Iraq and is even stirring a Shiite “backlash” there by backing militias fighting the Iraqi government and US-led troops.

“The Iranians are not going to take over Iraq,” Ambassador Ryan Crocker told reporters after his testimony this week before Congressman who voiced concern about Iran’s influence, especially in recent fighting.

“And my sense is the harder they push the more resistance they encounter,” Crocker said, referring to Iran.

“No one is talking about a war with Iran. I want to make sure that is not the headline here,” Crocker said.

His comments stood in sharp contrast to those Thursday from US President George W. Bush whose warning came in a speech with a clear warning that he would not hesitate to use force if the Islamic republic targets US interests in its strife-torn neighbor.