The United States has proof that Iran is supplying Iraqi militias with a variety of powerful weapons, the No. 2 U.S. general in Iraq said.

"We have weapons that we know through serial numbers...that trace back to Iran," Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said in an interview published on USA TODAY's website Wednesday.

His comments came as the Bush administration has been taking an increasingly tough stance against what it alleges is Iranian meddling in sectarian violence in Iraq.

Last week, the White House confirmed that the president had authorized U.S. troops to take action against Iranian agents in Iraq who present threats.

On Tuesday, U.S. President George W. Bush vowed to crack down on those who supply Iraqi insurgents with arms, though he denied any plans to invade Iran.

Source: Xinhua