Khatami: US troops should leave the region immediately

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Wednesday said the presence of the US military in the Gulf threatens security in the region, adding the US troops should leave the region immediately.

In a speech he delivered before units of the Revolutionary Guard forces on Wednesday in the southern Iranian city of Ahvaz, President Khatami added Iran and other Gulf states can preserve regional security.

He continued that following the Iraqi - Iranian war, the Iranian armed forces have rebuilt their capabilities.