One year after the start of the U.S.-led war against Iraq, top Japanese officials are determined to keep ground troops in Iraq despite growing fears of terrorist attacks both at home and abroad.

"I'm prepared for the reality that the fight against terrorism will take a long time," Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told reporters Friday, a day before the March 20 anniversary of the war's start.

Koizumi denied that doubts over the legitimacy of the U.S.-led war are growing even among countries that have stood by Washington.