The two leaders met at Bush's Texas ranch to discuss Sharon's plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip but retain some settlements in the West Bank, as well as efforts to revive the US-backed "roadpmap" to Middle East peace.

"The president talked about the diplomatic efforts by the Europeans to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and they talked about their shared concern about Iran's intentions with their nuclear program," said McClellan.

The spokesman denied that Bush and Sharon had discussed the possibility of a preemptive military strike by Israel, aimed at ensuring Iran does not acquire atomic weapons.

"The discussion focused on the diplomatic efforts that are ongoing right now by the Europeans," he told reporters. "There wasn't a discussion about what you're bringing up."

Washington accuses oil-rich Iran of using its civilian nuclear energy program as cover for efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies the charge.

US Vice President Dick Cheney had raised the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities in an interview with MSNBC television in January.

"Given the fact that Iran has a stated policy that their objective is the destruction of Israel, the Israelis might well decide to act first, and let the rest of the world worry about cleaning up the diplomatic mess afterwards," Cheney said.

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