MOSCOW, March 29 (RIA Novosti) - The Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that the current spying allegations against the country had been politicized in order to draw attention away from the U.S. quagmire in Iraq.

"That the story is being aired in the mass media points to a political subtext, probably linked to ongoing developments in Iraq, where, far from abating, tensions and violence have increased," a ministry spokesman told a news briefing.

"All of this can only arouse incomprehension and concern, considering that the U.S. has appropriate channels that can always be used to clear up any misunderstanding or concern," he said.

A recent report the Pentagon says is based on captured Iraqi documents alleges that Russia passed intelligence to Saddam Hussein in the run-up to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov also denied the allegations Tuesday.

"[The stories] are complete nonsense," Ivanov told a news conference.