U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says there is no plan on President Bush's desk "right now" to start a war with any nation accused of backing terrorists, including Iraq, Iran and North Korea.

President Bush has singled out those three nations by calling them an "Axis of Evil," that backs terrorism and seeks weapons of mass destruction. This has also prompted speculation that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein could be the next target in the U.S.-led war against terrorism.

Despite the "no war" pledge, Mr. Powell told the Senate Budget Committee Tuesday that Iraq poses a higher level of concern for U.S. officials. He said there must be a regime change in Iraq and President Bush is exploring options for dealing with the matter. The Baghdad government has repeatedly been accused of trying to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Last week, the president said he is sending Vice President Dick Cheney to the Middle East in March, as part of a diplomatic campaign for continued allied support in the war on terrorism.

In Tuesday's editions, the USA Today newspaper said Mr. Cheney - the secretary of defense during the 1991 Gulf War - is also expected to use his trip to discuss efforts to oust the Baghdad government. But U.S. officials are quoted as saying no decision has been made about the timing or the scope of any such campaign.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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