Iran scoffs at being called sponsor of terror by Bush

CAIRO, Egypt -- Iran, initially seen as a partner in the war on terror, lashed out Wednesday at being characterized as a terrorism supporter in President Bush's State of the Union speech. Iraq called Bush's comments "stupid," and several other nations worried Bush's tone was too aggressive.

Politicians in the Philippines and Malaysia were concerned Bush's words signaled increased U.S. intervention in their nations, where the governments have been pressured to crack down on militants linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terror network.

Bush's singling out of Iran in his speech Tuesday reflected a sharpening of his administration's tone toward Tehran. And his use of the phrase "axis of evil" in reference to Iran, Iraq and North Korea raised many eyebrows.

"He spoke arrogantly, humiliatingly, aggressively and in an interfering way -- and worse than anything, it is an insult to the Iranian nation," Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said at a Cabinet session Wednesday night, according to state-run television and radio.

"We are supporters of peace, a peace based on justice for humanity," Khatami said.

Khatami said Americans should ask their politicians to stop looking for war and help cultivate a peace based on justice.

"After Sept. 11, we felt there was a great opportunity to mobilize the international will to fight terrorism," Khatami said. "But, unfortunately, this opportunity was misused and this abuse is a treason to humanity."

Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan told reporters Wednesday night that "the statement of President Bush is a stupid statement and inappropriate."