Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says in an interview with The Associated Press that he regrets the deaths of protesters in the violence that followed his country's disputed presidential elections.

But he denies that his government had any role in the killings.

Speaking to AP reporters on Tuesday, Ahmadinejad said those who died were "not at fault." He instead says the responsibility lies with Iranian opposition politicians and with "European and American politicians" who he says fueled the violence.

The pro-reform opposition has staged dramatic protests, claiming that Ahmadinejad's victory in the June voting was fraudulent. The Iranian government waged a bloody crackdown and opposition groups say at least 72 protesters were killed. Government officials maintain that only 36 people died. - Sapa-AP