US losing Iran allies over 'evil axis' charge

TEHRAN: By labelling Iran part of an "axis of evil", the United States is losing its few friends in the Islamic republic, with President Mohammad Khatami the latest to join the camp of adversaries. Khatami, who made a dramatic overture towards "arch foe America" after his 1997 election, drew the curtain on rapprochement last week, calling on his allies in parliament to abandon a quest for better relations with Washington.

"When a big power uses a militant, humiliating and threatening tone to speak to us, our nation will refuse to negotiate or show any flexibility," he said. US President George W. Bush has repeatedly called Iran part of an "axis of evil" along with Iraq and North Korea for its alleged support of "terrorism" and efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

Iran denies the latter charge and insists its weapons programme is strictly conventional and meant for deterrence. Khatami's allies say his new tough line does not reflect a change in his desire for better relations and that he would soften his tone if Washington did the same.

"Khatami has not changed his position. He is offended by Bush's humiliating tone. He feels he has to defend his nation's integrity," said Mohammad Ali Abtahi, vice president and a Khatami confidante. "No leader is ready to negotiate when he and his nation are being insulted," he told Reuters. "Khatami used a very civilised tone talking to the Americans and see what he gets in return."