Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was last night facing intense pressure after Saudi Arabia indicated that US forces would be free to attack Iraq from bases on its soil if Baghdad rejects a fresh UN resolution on weapons inspectors.
As Washington declared that world leaders were throwing their weight behind President Bush's call for "tough" UN action, Saudi Arabia highlighted the new atmosphere by softening its stance on the use of US bases.
Weeks after warning that the US could not use bases in Saudi Arabia to attack Iraq, the Saudi Foreign Minister used an interview with CNN to make it clear that permission would be granted, as long as Washington was acting under UN auspices.
Asked whether the US would be free to use military bases if Iraq refused to comply with a fresh UN security council resolution, Prince Saud al-Faisal said: "Everybody is obliged to follow through." His remarks are likely to transform relations between Washington and Riyadh which have been strained after it emerged that most of the hijackers in last year's September 11th attacks came from the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is likely to argue, however, that its announcement is not a U-turn because it would regard US forces as UN troops if Iraq defies a fresh resolution. The prince also made clear that Saudi Arabia still opposes the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Foreign ministers from the Arab League called on Saddam to avoid a military confrontation by admitting the inspectors. The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Mr Naji Sabri, reportedly told the league that Baghdad was ready to comply, although he said that conditions would have to be met.
The call by the Arab League was echoed by Prince Saud al-Faisal, who said Iraq should re-admit the inspectors before a security council resolution is drawn up. "Timing is important, and allowing inspectors back before a Security Council resolution to that effect would be in Iraq's favour," the prince said. "We are afraid that [a refusal] would harm the Iraqi people and increase their burden. We are worried about Iraq's unity, stability and independence."
Britain is to draw up a fresh security council resolution which will call on Baghdad to allow weapons inspectors unfettered access.
The resolution will indicate that Iraq will face military action if it fails to comply, although this is expected to be spelled out in diplomatic language. This is designed to persuade China, Russia and France not to block the resolution.