A senior U.S. defense official says Iranian-made bombs have killed at least 170 coalition troops in Iraq since 2004.
The official, speaking to reporters in Baghdad, said Sunday that the bombs were sent to Iraqi extremists on orders of the Iranian government. He blamed the al-Quds brigade of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
The officer spoke on condition that his name not be used.
He said the roadside bombs, called "explosively formed projectiles," are designed to cut through tank armor and are used by Shi'ite militia against U.S. and coalition forces.
He said there is evidence that Iran has stepped up its delivery of the bombs.
The U.S. has accused Iran of meddling in Iraq, and U.S. officials have called on Iran to "cease and desist."
The Bush administration has warned it will move against Iranians who endanger U.S. and Iraqi troops.
In January, U.S. forces detained five Iranians in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. U.S. officials said the Iranians were associated with attacks against U.S. and Iraqi forces.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
