WARMONGER Tony Blair’s presence hung heavy over the Commons yesterday as MPs agonised over Iraq’s further plunge into slaughter and suffering.

Foreign Secretary William Hague announced plans for a limited reopening of Britain’s embassy in Tehran following talks with the Iranian foreign minister.

But Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd jumped in to challenge the Tory minister over his failure to condemn Mr Blair’s role in taking Britain to war in Iraq on false grounds.

“How can the Secretary of State defend the actions of Tony Blair, who took us to war on a tissue of untruths?” asked Mr Llwyd.

Mr Hague replied evasively: “I think we have to await the outcome of the Chilcot inquiry before we should try to pass judgement on these events.”

Urging MPs to focus on the present-day situation, he added: “We are not planning in these circumstances a British military intervention in Iraq.”

The Foreign Secretary faced the Commons within hours of US President Barack Obama’s announcement that he was sending up to 275 armed troops to “provide support and security” in Iraq for US embassy staff and other personnel.

Tory MP Robert Halfon voiced concern that reopening the Tehran embassy signalled a “softening” of Britain’s approach to Iran.

Mr Hague denied that, but added: “Iran does have the capability to play a more positive role across the region.”

Britain would work for a wider change in Iran’s foreign policy and for increased links “between the peoples of our countries” while also pursuing negotiations on the country’s nuclear capacity, Mr Hague said.

Iran had played for many years “a divisive and sectarian role through supporting divisive or often terrorist groups in other parts of the region.

“We look to them to desist from that.”

Plaid leader Leanne Wood said yesterday: “It is of great concern that Tony Blair has decided to ramp up militaristic rhetoric with regard to the current conflict in Iraq.

“Plaid Cymru was unequivocal in opposition to the invasion and occupation of the country in 2003 and 11 years later we are categorically opposed to any military intervention in Iraq.”

The international community must act to avoid a humanitarian crisis and seek solutions based on containing and resolving the conflict, she said.