Iraqi leaders give conflicting answers on reported Iran arms deal

An Iraqi security forces member holds his weapon as he patrols in the town of Jurf al-Sakhar, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, February 18, 2014. REUTERS/Mushtaq Muhammed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi officials gave contradictory accounts on Tuesday about whether or not Baghdad had agreed to buy $195 million worth of arms and ammunition from Iran as reported by Reuters, a deal that if confirmed could damage Iraqi-U.S. relations.

The Defence Ministry denied any such deal had been done, while a senior Iraqi government lawmaker who heads parliament's security and defence committee said Baghdad had bought "some light weapons and ammunition" from Tehran.