Karzai describes Iran as a 'friendly country'

In his telephone conversation with Mr Karzai, the Iranian president pledged support for Afghan stability, calling on rich nations to assist in the country's reconstruction.

The Iranian news agency reported that Mr Karzai also described Iran as a friendly country and thanked the Iranian government for its material and moral support.

On the phone to Mr Blair, Mr Khatami strongly denied what he called baseless rumours that Taleban fugitives had been allowed to cross into Iran.

Other Iranian officials have stressed in the past few days that the country's common border with Afghanistan was under strict control and Taleban fighters would be arrested if they entered Iran.

Mr Khatami's support for the Afghan interim government is important for establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

But Mr Khatami's hardline rivals in the Iranian leadership may not approve his unequivocal support for Mr Karzai.

They say that the United States has strategic plans for long-term military presence in the region and they also see the interim Afghan leader as too close to the West.