Iran says US buildup near Iraq lacks "prudence"

Iran's top diplomat says reports of US plans to build up the American military presence in other Mideast countries after withdrawing from Iraq show a "deficit, unfortunately, in rationality and prudence."

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi's comments came on Monday in a Baghdad meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshyar Zebari.

The US has long worried about Iranian meddling in Iraq's government after its military leaves at the end of the year. Washington is considering putting more forces in Kuwait to bolster its presence in the region, and has warned Iran not to interfere in Iraq's affairs.

But Salehi said Iraq does not need help in running its country from any foreign nation.

He called on the US "to be more prudent and wise in their approach."