Iran yesterday opened the door for US help in building a nuclear power plant - a move designed to ease American suspicions that Tehran is using its nuclear programme as a cover to build atomic weapons. The offer was issued as Israel said it had not ruled out a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

"America can take part in international bidding for the construction of Iran's nuclear power plant if they observe the basic standards and quality," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said.

Israel, meanwhile, denied a Sunday Times report that it has plans to attack Iran in March, but would not rule out a strike.

PHOTO CAPTION

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi briefs the media, October 09, 2005 in Tehran. (AFP)