Jack Straw has refused to rule out military action against Iraq and accused its leaders of "unparalleled depravity" against their own people.

The foreign secretary told the Commons on Tuesday that military action "cannot be ruled out in this situation" and warned that Saddam Hussein posed a "significant threat to the stability of the region".

Straw told MPs any response would be "cautious and proportionate and consistent with international law".

The only way the Iraqi regime could prevent confrontation with the international community was to allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country, he said.

"Iraq continues to defy the United Nations. Of 27 specific obligations imposed by the United Nations Security Council, Iraq is in clear breach of at least 23."

Compliance was the only option for Iraq, the foreign secretary told the Commons.

"What is at the heart of this issue is the rule of international law."

Saddam Hussein was guilty of the "most awful human rights abuses" and his government was equally guilty.

"The record of the Iraqi regime is unparalleled in its depravity against the Iraqi people themselves," Straw said.

Shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram focused on the issue of the Iraqi weapons arsenal.

"We must stop Saddam and decommission his weapons or giving them or selling them for others to use," he said.

In answer to a question from former Conservative minister Douglas Hogg, Straw pledged that there would be a debate on Iraq and military strikes if it happened.

"Whenever military action has been determined the House has had a crucial role to play," he said.

Zimbabwe

MPs also raised concerns over the elections in Zimbabwe which have been violent and controversial.

"As the House is aware the elections have been dominated by Zanu PF-backed violence and intimidation as well as reports of irregularities," said Straw.

"If it becomes clear - and the evidence is already particularly strong - that president Mugabe has stolen the election, that has enormous implications for our relationship with Zimbabwe."

Many MPs called for action against president Mugabe's regime including sanctions and expulsion from the Commonwealth, but Straw said the government would await the election result.

"It is wise for us to await the outcome of the election. Let us make our decision once we know the full facts," Straw said.

"The immediate future may be dark for the people of Zimbabwe but it is my faith in those people that they may be able to come through it," he added.

The continued bloodshed in Israel and the Palestinian controlled areas on the West Bank and Gaza Strip also brought strong condemnation from the floor of the Commons and calls for peace talks from the foreign secretary.

"Our condemnation of terrorism in all its forms is unequivocal," Straw said. "The parties concerned and the international community must do all they can to resolve the situation."