US waging psywar in Mideast - Iran's president

Iranian president says the US is trying to wage a psychological war in the Middle East, noting that strengthening ties with Qatar can boost regional stability and ward off such threats, Press TV reported.

"Widening the scope of cooperation between Iran and Qatar, with the two countries' officials remaining alert, can establish lasting security in the region and reduce threats from outside," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during a meeting with senior officials in Doha on Sunday.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani welcomed the call, stressing that more bilateral ties would benefit both countries, the Iranian president's website reported.

Ahmadinejad added any military action against the Islamic Republic will lead to the collapse of the US hegemony in the entire world.

He stressed that any military action against Iran will also lead to the elimination of Israel from world "geo-politics."

The president went on to note that certain powers are seeking to launch fresh wars in the Middle East but stressed no power is capable of attacking Iran since the Iranian military can effectively counter any attack.

The two officials agreed that the security of the Persian Gulf region will be maintained through all-out economic, cultural, and defense cooperation.

Earlier in February, Iran and Qatar had signed a defense deal during Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi's visit to Doha.

Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Ali Abdollahi, who is accompanying the president on the trip, told IRNA that both sides have agreed on the implementation of a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) on regional security.

Abdollahi made the remarks in a meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Internal Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday.

The MOU envisages cooperation on facilitating visa procedures for Iranian businesspersons and taking strict measures to combat narcotic trafficking on the borders.