The officials said Powell decided to call de Villepin on Tuesday shortly after giving an interview in which he confirmed that Washington would take steps to punish Paris for its stance on the conflict.

It was not immediately clear when Powell would make the call as de Villepin is currently on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East, the officials told AFP on condition of anonymity.

However, the officials said Powell was not yet in a position to tell his French colleague exactly how the United States would register its extreme displeasure with France as no specific decisions had been made.

"He wants to talk to de Villepin about the consequences generally, what's being considered and what's not," said one senior official. "It's more of a courtesy call so the French aren't left guessing after the interview."

In the interview with PBS television, Powell became the first cabinet-level member of President George W. Bush's administration to say publicly that France would face consequences for opposing the US war effort.

"We have to take a look at the relationship," he said. "We have to look at all aspects of our relationship with France in light of this."

Asked directly whether Paris would be punished, he replied bluntly: "Yes."

SPACE.WIRE