Iranian officials say they will try to prevent members of al-Qaida and the Taleban from entering their country, but they say they need help.

Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said the long Iranian-Afghan border is difficult to control and the United States should help Iran prevent illegal border crossings rather than accuse it.

He said any al-Qaida or Taleban member found on Iranian soil will be expelled. He added if Washington has any information about wanted suspects, it should provide it. Also Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said there is no question al-Qaida terrorists have taken refuge in Iran.

On Sunday, he accused Iran of harboring some of Afghanistan's fleeing Taleban and al-Qaida fighters.

Some information for this report provided by AFP.

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