Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he would welcome a "hot line" with the United States or any other way to head off conflict in the Persian Gulf.

He told a news conference Friday that there was no reason for any clashes and "any tool that can prevent clashes or potential conflict, we welcome."

Ahmadinejad said if NATO, British and U.S. forces leave the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, Iran will guarantee the shipping of oil and other energy supplies.

"The long-term solution is for foreign forces to leave the region," Ahmadinejad said.