Republican presumptive nominee John McCain accuses the Iranian government of taking measures to tilt the US election against him.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Philadelphia's Springfield on Friday, Senator McCain said he fears that anti-American groups might intensify their operations in Iraq to influence the November election.

"We still have the most lethal explosive devices coming across the border from Iran into Iraq," said the Arizona senator, accusing Tehran of attempting to influence the upcoming general election by increasing the casualties of the US-led war in Iraq.

When asked whether he was concerned that al-Qaeda or other groups in Iraq might plan spectacular attacks in autumn, the 71-year-old Republican said, "Yes, I worry about it."

"And I know they pay attention because of the intercepts we have of their communications ... The hardest thing in warfare is to counter someone or a group of individuals who are willing to take their own lives in order to take others," he explained.

Political pundits say fearmongering is a common tactic among right-wing politicians and that with such remarks the Republican candidate aims only to manipulate public opinion to his advantage.

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