UN resolution may save US from 'hell it created' in Iraq: Rafsanjani

"The Security Council resolution is a step forward toward saving the Iraqi people and the United States from the hell it created," Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said in a sermon during weekly Friday prayers here.

"The United States is beginning to accept the fact that it got itself into a mire and is looking for a solution for an honorable way out."

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However, he added that the "oppressive nature" of the United States is preventing it from setting a date for withdrawal from Iraq.

Rafsanjani characterised as "positive" American action in overthrowing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq, but pointed out that Washington had failed to provide security in the two countries.

In Iraq, he said, "the situation is worse today than it was under the rule of Saddam."

On Wednesday, Iran welcomed the Security Council's unanimous endorsement of the new Iraqi government's sovereignty, saying it was a step towards an end of the US-led occupation of its neighbour.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes favourably all action that leads to reinforcing the sovereignty of the Iraqi people," foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said.

"Resolution 1546 is a step towards the total sovereignty of the Iraqi people over their future and their control over their natural resources, and it recognises the Iraqi government's authority to end the mission of foreign forces and bring a total end to the occupation of the country," he added.