A top Iraqi Shi'ite leader is calling on the United States to let Iraqi forces take a more aggressive role against insurgents.

In an interview published Sunday in the Washington Post, Abdul Aziz Hakim says U.S. troops are hampering efforts by Iraq's fledgling security forces to hunt down insurgents.

He said there were planned Iraqi military moves against insurgents that should have been implemented months ago. And he said the rejection of those by U.S. generals has led to an expansion in terror attacks. He did not provide details.

Mr. Hakim also urged the United States to take stronger action against countries bordering Iraq who harbor insurgents and their supporters.

Mr. Hakim heads the Shi'ite dominated Supreme Council for the Revolution in Iraq, which has the largest representation in parliament.