President Bush speaks on the state of the economy in Kansas City (File Photo - 01 Feb 2008)

President Bush says experts do not believe the U.S. economy is in a recession, but says it is "uncertain" enough to require an economic stimulus package he will sign into law on Wednesday.

The president said $150 billion in tax rebates should be taxpayers' hands by May.

Mr. Bush made the statements during an interview taped Saturday and aired today on the U.S. television program Fox News Sunday.

The president spoke about numerous issues, including the legality of waterboarding, an interrogation technique on suspected terrorists. Mr. Bush said any U.S. interrogation has been conducted legally.

The president said he believes Iran is a nuclear threat and will keep pressure on Tehran to halt its uranium enrichment program.

Mr. Bush also said the United States will remain a presence in Iraq at the invitation of the government but will not have permanent bases there.

He said he thinks it is in the United States' best interest to reach an agreement with Iraq on what form the presence will take.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.