Iran Defiant Over Enrichment, Israel as Deadline Draws Near

"We have said everything in our response. I think the time to use the instrument of the Security Council has expired," Ahmadinejad told reporters, referring to an Iranian answer to a Western package of incentives over its nuclear program. "I see it as unlikely that they want to use it (the Security Council). Using nuclear energy is Iran's right and we want to use it according to international law."

"Peaceful nuclear energy is the right of the Iranian nation. The Iranian nation has chosen that based upon international regulations, it wants to use it and no one can stop it," he added.

The UN Security Council has given Iran an August 31 deadline to suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities -- processes which can produce fuel for civilian reactors or explosive material for warheads. Iran has insisted it has no intention of abandoning such work and faces the threat of UN sanctions should it fail to comply.

Iran response to package "exceptional"

"I think that the opportunity that Iran has given the Europeans is extremely exceptional for fairly resolving all issues. Of course, that is if they are interested in justice and I hope they will be," said Ahmadinejad.

Iran had laid out a framework for talks in its reply to an offer by the five permanent Security Council members plus Germany of incentives in exchange for a suspension of enrichment.

Asked specifically if Iran would halt enrichment, even for a short period, Ahmadinejad replied: "In that (Iran's response to the six-nation offer), we announced that any kind of dialogue should be based upon the certain rights of the Iranian nation."

The Iranian president also took the opportunity to chide the Americans and British for what he said was extreme arrogance on their part since the end of World War II. "We think the special privileges that America and Britain are taking advantage of today are the origin of all disturbances in the world."

"Isn't it time that international relations are founded on democracy and equal rights of the nations?" he asked.

President calls for TV debate with Bush

The Iranian president then challenged US President George W. Bush to an American-style TV duel in which the two leaders would debate the problems of the world. "I suggest holding a live TV debate with Mr. George W. Bush to talk about world affairs and the ways to solve those issues," he said.

"The debate should be uncensored in order for the American people to be able to listen to what we say and they should not restrict the American people from hearing the truth."

Ahmadinejad then turned his attention to another of Iran's foes: Israel. Iran wanted the root of tensions in the Middle East to be "removed," he said, in a comment harking back to statement made last year in which he referred to Israel as a tumor.

"Our position on the Middle East is clear. We want the root of tensions to be removed. During these 60 years what was the root of massacres, crimes and conflicts?" Ahmadinejad asked, referring to the creation of Israel in 1948. "The solution is clear and nothing has changed," he added.