Senators oppose Iraq troop boost

The group - two Democrats and a Republican - said the plan was not in America's interests, urging an early transfer of security to Iraqi leaders.

The move came as Democrats - who control Congress - began their own initiatives to block the deployment.

But the White House said Mr Bush would continue to proceed with his plan.

Under the new strategy announced last week, Mr Bush wants to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq, the majority of them to violence-hit Baghdad, in a bid improve security and end sectarian clashes.