US President George W Bush today brushed aside speculation about military action against Iraq, saying he was a "patient man" and would continue to consult with US allies and members of Congress before any possible action.
Mr Bush said the subject of Iraq did not come up during a meeting with top national security advisers, dismissing "intense speculation" about military action as part of a "frenzy."
"We take all threats seriously and we will continue to consult with our friends and allies," Mr Bush told reporters when asked about Iraq.
"I'm a patient man," he said. "We will look at all options and we will consider all technologies available to us, and diplomacy and intelligence. But one thing is for certain, ... this administration agrees that Saddam Hussein is a threat ... Regime change is in the interest of the world."
With the world watching for any hints the United States was prepared to take action to topple Saddam, the White House maintained all along the talks would focus on reforming the military's weapons, strategy and finances, and developing a system to defend the country against a missile attack.
Mr Bush has peppered recent public appearances with anti-Saddam remarks. On Friday, he said the Iraqi leader was "thumbing his nose at the world," and that he would make his decision on how to proceed to oust Saddam based on the "latest intelligence."
"The world would be safer off without Saddam Hussein in power," White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer said yesterday.