WASHINGTON?The State Department branded Iran and six other countries as promoters of terror on Tuesday in a report shadowed by “the horrific events of Sept. 11.”

While Iran intensified its support last year for Palestinian militants, Sudan and Libya took some steps “to get out of the terrorism business” and North Korea and Syria made limited moves to cooperate in the international campaign against terror, the department said in its 22nd annual report to Congress.

Also cited were Cuba and Iraq, the latter providing bases for anti-Israel terror groups, the report said.

“The terrorist threat is global in scope, many-faceted and determined,” Secretary of State Colin Powell said.

The State Department named Iran as the biggest supporter of terrorist activities, supplying Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian groups with funds, shelter, training and weapons.