The prime minister will visit President Bush next week amid continuing violence in Iraq.

The visit comes as the US administration faces growing pressure following an increase in the coalition death toll.

Ahead of the US presidential poll, senior White House officials have insisted the president will stand firm following an increase in terror attacks against troops.

Blair is expected to travel to Washington next week to meet with the president.

Speaking in the wake of the latest violence, Blair said that the UK-US coalition still faces a "difficult task" in Iraq.

The prime minister's comments came after he held talks with Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari.