http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3407061.stm At least 18 people are believed to have been killed in a suspected suicide car bombing outside the US headquarters in the centre of the Iraqi capital.
The huge blast occurred at about 0800 (0500GMT) near Assassin's Gate - a heavily fortified entrance to one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces.
Most victims are thought to have been Iraqis waiting to meet US officials.
It is the deadliest attack since New Year's Eve and comes as the US tries to persuade the UN to return to Iraq.
Force of the blast
One witness who was driving by said the explosion lifted his car into the air.
Cars were set on fire in the blast, the force of which was felt across the city.
The US military says 18 people were believed killed by the blast: 16 were Iraqi civilians and two were contractors working for the US Defense Department.
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CNN reporting at least 23 dead. A third hospital is reporting 3 dead there. Also reported on CNN identity of nationalities of those that died in burning cars have not been determined due to bodies burned so badly.