Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri has rejected a US ultimatum for President Saddam Hussein to leave the country or face war.
"The only option (to avoid war) is the departure of the number one warmonger in the world, US President George W. Bush," Mr Sabri told reporters.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell said earlier that Mr Bush will give Saddam an ultimatum to leave Iraq during a televised address tonight.
Mr Powell said Mr Bush will give the Iraqi leader 48 hours to leave the country.
"He clearly will issue an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein," Mr Powell said. "The moment of truth has arrived.
"I can think of nothing that Saddam Hussein can do diplomatically, that time is now over. He has had his chance, he has had many chances over the last 12 years and he has blown every one of those chances," Mr Powell said.
Mr Sabri hit out at "the failing President Bush who made his country a joke in the world and isolated his administration and made the United States public enemy number one.
"He should depart from presidency and let the Americans lead a normal life with other nations," said Mr Sabri. "His policy has brought disaster to the United States. This crazy man should go and also his subject, disciple and follower (British Prime Minister Tony) Blair."