The Arabic TV station Al-Jazeera has broadcast a recording purporting to be Saddam Hussein, who has denied involvement in Friday's car bombing in Najaf.
The former dictator denied his involvement in the attack that killed over 100 people, including the Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim.
The recording continued to say Saddam was the leader of all Iraqi people, suggesting he would not launch an attack on any particular ethnic or religious group.
"Saddam Hussein is not the leader of a minority or a group within a group. He the leader of the great Iraqi people," the tape said.
The last message allegedly from Saddam was broadcast August 1. On that tape, the speaker said the former leader would "at any moment" defeat the American occupation forces and return to power.
That tape also told looters of government property they should not worry about retribution from Saddam and should join the guerrilla war.
Quoting the Koran, the voice said: "Ye believers, if a corrupt person brought you news, check it well before accusing arbitrarily. Otherwise, you will regret your accusation."
Many in Najaf blamed the bombing on Saddam loyalists. Police officials confirm they have arrested 19 suspects, many of them foreigners and all with alleged al-Qaida terrors.
It was not possible immediately determine if the tape was authentic.