US President George W Bush said this evening the idea that he was preparing to strike Iran over its nuclear programme was ‘ridiculous’, but he quickly added that all options remained open.
Mr Bush was addressing a news conference after Summit talks in Brussels with European Union leaders.
It was the first time a US President had attended an EU Council.
The Luxembourg EU presidency said the EU and the US had agreed to co-host an international conference on reconstruction in Iraq, should the government there wants it.
Mr Bush had expressed 'deep concern' this morning about EU plans to lift its 15-year arms embargo on China, as it emerged the EU was drafting a plan to try to allay Washington's fears.
The US President earlier attended a summit of NATO leaders in Brussels as part of his continuing tour of Europe following his inauguration last month.
This morning, NATO General Secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced that all 26 members had agreed to help train Iraqi police following calls for more NATO support from Mr Bush.
In another development, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said his government is seeking long-term integration into NATO and the EU, but without harming ties with Russia.
Speaking at the summit, Mr Yushchenko described Russia as Ukraine's strategic partner. He is the only leader from outside NATO invited to meet alliance leaders.
The summit is part of Mr Bush's first visit to Europe since his re-election in November.
The five-day visit is aimed at repairing relations with key allies who were against the war in Iraq.
Earlier today, Mr Bush met the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for talks.
Last night, he hosted a dinner for the French President, Jacques Chirac, at the US Embassy in Brussels.
Both men set aside differences to issue a joint statement condemning the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik al-Hariri, and demanding Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon.
