U.S. urges Iran and Syria to stop support for Hezbollah

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - The White House said on Friday it was "very troubled" by Hezbollah's actions in Beirut and urged Iran and Syria to halt support for the militant group after its fighters in the Lebanese capital routed forces loyal to the government.

The Bush administration also said it was conferring with the U.N. Security Council and other regional governments on possible action against Hezbollah for the violence that has racked Beirut for days.

"After months of paralyzing the democratically elected Lebanese government, Hezbollah has now turned its arms against the Lebanese people and challenged Lebanon's security forces for control of the streets," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement.

"The United States is consulting with other governments in the region and with the U.N. Security Council about measures that must be taken to hold those responsible for the violence in Beirut accountable," he said.

Earlier on Friday, Johndroe told reporters, "We are very troubled by the recent actions of Hezbollah."

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice telephoned leaders in the region over events in Lebanon and also spoke to the country's pro-Western prime minister, Fouad Siniora.

"The secretary said the prime minister was very strong in their conversation. He remains resolute. He is in his office, he is working," said a senior State Department official.

Rice had harsh words for Hezbollah and said U.S. support for Siniora's government was "unwavering".

"Backed by Syria and Iran, Hezbollah and its allies are killing and injuring fellow citizens, undermining the legitimate authority of the Lebanese government and the institutions of the Lebanese state," Rice said in a statement.