But spokesman Scott McClellan reiterated US opposition to giving the Egyptian diplomat, 62, a third term at the helm of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) when his current term expires next year.

"We remain committed to the agreement that was reached in Vienna, where heads of United Nations organizations should only serve two terms," he said. "Serve no more than two terms, I should say."

That was a reference to the Geneva group of top 10 contributors to international organizations, which has held that heads of such agencies should not serve more than two terms.

Asked about media reports that the United States has monitored telephone calls between ElBaradei and Iranian diplomats, seeking ammunition to oust him, McClellan declined to comment.

"I've seen the reports. And I just don't get into discussing any of those reports. And that should not be read one way or the other," the spokesman told reporters.

The US Department of State also refused on Monday to confirm or deny a report in The Washington Post on Sunday that President George W. Bush's administration has listened in on phone calls between ElBaradei and Iranian diplomats, seeking ammunition to oust ElBaradei as head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency.

"I wouldn't say anything about any intelligence accusations or allegations," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

As to whether the United States sought ElBaradei's removal, Boucher said, "Our view has always been two terms is enough."

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