Chavez On Stage In London

The possibility of military action against Iran is the greatest threat the world faces, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has warned while in London.

Mr Chavez said any attack on Iran would be a "terrible escalation" of the conflict in the Middle East.

He said the consequences of a strike against Iran would be far worse than the war in Iraq.

Speaking during a two-day visit to London Mr Chavez said: "If they attack Iran I think it's going to be far worse than what is currently happening in Iraq.

"The US empire doesn't know what to do in Iraq. The political system hasn't worked.

"There's no government in the country and they do not know how to get out of Iraq."

He called the conflict "the Vietnam of the 21st century".

Addressing an 800-strong crowd at Camden Town Hall in north London, Mr Chavez said: "Iran has said they would attack Israel and I know they have the wherewithal to do so.

"This would be a terrible escalation and I do not know where it would end and I do not know who would get out the first nuclear bomb or how many people would die.

"No-one would be safe from this madness."

He accused the international community of cowardice in not standing up to the "American empire" and called for a new socialist world order.

During his visit, Mr Chavez is not due to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair whom he describes as the "main ally of Hitler" for his support of US President George W Bush.

But he will meet left wing Labour MPs and trade union leaders and will be guest of honour at a lunch hosted by London Mayor Ken Livingstone.