Jakarta – About 1,000 Muslims chanted anti-American slogans outside the US embassy in Jakarta on Sunday saying any war against Iraq would be an attack on the entire Islamic world.

While there have been only minor protests in the world's most populous Muslim country over a possible attack on Iraq, the prospect of war is increasingly worrying religious leaders who fear it could spark a backlash by Muslims.

"We are against America's plans to attack Iraq – an attack in one Muslim country means an attack on all Muslims," said Muhammad Rahmad, a rally organiser.

The protesters gathered outside the embassy under heavy police security then marched in the rain down the capital's main thoroughfare toward the city's central roundabout.

In another sign of growing anti-American sentiment, T-shirts bearing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's face and the words "Ready for War" and "We Support You" went on sale across the capital last week.

While not everyone supports the Iraqi leader in Indonesia, there is genuine concern for the Iraqi people and a perception the United States will attack Baghdad with or without UN backing over allegations the country has weapons of mass destruction.

Washington has threatened to attack Iraq if it does not meet UN disarmament terms. Iraq denies it has any banned weapons and says it is cooperating with UN weapons inspectors.