WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - U.S. officials had

traveled to Niger last week to express concerns about the

country's potential development of ties to Russia and Iran

before the ruling junta on Saturday revoked a key military

accord allowing U.S. military personnel in the country, the

Pentagon said on Monday.

"The U.S. delegation was there to raise a number of concerns

... We were troubled (about) the path that Niger is on. And so

these were direct and frank conversations, to have those in

person, to talk about our concerns and to also hear theirs,"

said Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.

Asked to clarify those concerns, Singh said: "U.S. officials

expressed concern over Niger's potential relationships with

Russia and Iran."