Tony Blair has called on Europe's leaders to put their own house in order instead of complaining about America's superpower role.

In an interview with Prospect magazine, the prime minister said Europe and the US could be strong partners, but stressed that the EU needed to change both its attitude and organisation.

"My challenge to Europe is this: if we want to have greater sway and greater power, then instead of complaining about America, we've got to face up to what we need to do," he said.

"That means developing a coherent defence capability and a set of institutions to allow Europe to speak strongly."

Echoing Henry Kissinger's famous complaint that he didn't know Europe's telephone number, Blair said the rest of the world "needs to know who speaks for Europe".

And he had a warning for fellow European leaders. "If you want to be taken seriously, you have got to act seriously," he said.

"Some of the criticism of America comes from an irritation with their huge superpower status," added Blair. "If we pool our sovereignty in a way that gives us a strong voice and, if we improve our defence capability, we will be the strategic partner that America needs and wants."

The prime minister said that the EU's six month rotating presidency was "absurd" and backed a "strong head" for the council of ministers. But he denied claims that he was seeking the top job.

Blair also accused Saddam Hussein of seeking to add nuclear weapons to his arsenal. "Be in no doubt at all that he is trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction, in particular a nuclear capability," he warned.

With reports indicating Washington is to back the overthrow over Iran's rulers, including the moderate president Khatami, Blair insisted there are no splits in the trans-Atlantic alliance.

"Most people think it is worth trying to engage with Iran, but with your eyes completely open. I find no strain in our relationship with America as a result of our overtures to the moderate elements in Iran," said the prime minister.