Venezuela's president has called on the international community to do everything possible to avoid a military conflict with Iran because of its nuclear program.

Hugo Chavez

Speaking on a trip to London Monday, Hugo Chavez said that Europe has a very important role to play in the dispute with Iran, which is accused of seeking atomic weapons. Earlier, Mr. Chavez warned that the price of oil would soar if the United States took military action against Iran.

The Venezuelan leader was set to conclude a two-day trip to London, which did not include a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Later Monday, Mr. Chavez was to travel to Algeria for talks with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Tuesday, he is to meet Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in Tripoli.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.