Iran holds defiant stance on nuclear research

The move drew fierce international condemnation and threats to seek UN sanctions, but Ahmadinejad was unmoved.

"The time of using language of bullying and coercion... is over. There is no evidence to prove Iran's diversion (toward nuclear weapons)".

What's more, Ahmadinejad said, Iran had no use for nuclear weapons. "Our nation doesn't need nuclear weapons. You can use nuclear technology in several ways, and we want to do so peacefully," he said, claiming that such weaponry violated the tenets of Islam.

Iran insists its program is intended only for electricity generation. The United States and others fear Iran is using it as a cover to build a nuclear bomb.