Iran's president nuclear warning
Updated on 25 May 2007
Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has today warned that the world will not be able to stop Iran moving forward on its 'glorious path' towards nuclear technology.
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And as the pressure continues to build over the last 24 hours, a huge US naval build-up takes place in the Persian Gulf.
It's the biggest American naval build-up in the gulf for years. A vast flotilla including three carriers are on military exercises in the waters off Iran.
It is a clear signal, if the Iranians needed one, that the US is deadly serious about Iran's latest failure to comply with the UN over its nuclear programme.
Already well underway is the war of words after the chief UN inspector said Iran had failed to stop enrichment.
The Americans are calling for tough international action and they want Russia and China to agree further sanctions.
The Iranians continue to claim their nuclear programme is peaceful, and today accused the US of manipulating the UN against them.
And as work continues at the Iranian nuclear sites - a cold war of subterfuge, covert tactics and paranoia has steadily escalated.
In Iran, US academics have been arrested, imprisoned and accused of trying to undermine the state.
And is Iran looking to step up its activities in Iraq? Stories have appeared in the US and UK saying so - quoting unnamed American sources.
Some believe that this is a sign that the hawks in the US are pushing for military confrontation.
The nuclear issue is one of the few areas where Iran's president retains the support of his people. Inflation is pushing 30% - and - humiliatingly for one of the world's biggest oil producers - the country is having to introduce petrol rationing.
With internal unrest building, many fear that US threats could play into the hands of President Ahmadinejad and other hard liners in Iran - bolstering his failing presidency by uniting the country behind him.
Well some diplomatic engagement is set to take place - a historic meeting between US and Iranian diplomats is scheduled for Monday in Baghdad.
But the nuclear issue will not be on the agenda, and for diplomatic pressure to succeed - the US will need backing from countries that have failed to give it so far.
