Ahmadinejad Says West Cannot Isolate Iran, Nuclear Issue Resolved

Mahmud Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN (Reuters) -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said today the West could not isolate Iran over its nuclear activities.

"Talking about isolating Iran [over its nuclear work] is a psychological war launched by the West...Iran is a unique country...and no country can isolate it," Ahmadinejad told state television.

Ahmadinejad also said there was no need to hold talks with the West over Iran's disputed nuclear activities.

"Iran's nuclear issue has been resolved.... We will hold no talks [with major powers] over this issue. There is no need for talks," he said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution on November 27 censuring Iran for covertly constructing a second uranium-enrichment plant near the holy city of Qom -- in addition to its IAEA-monitored one at Natanz -- and demanding a construction halt.

Tehran fuelled tension with the West on November 29 by announcing its plan to build 10 more uranium-enrichment sites in retaliation for the resolution, backed by Russia and China.

Washington and its European allies fear Iran will use its declared civilian nuclear energy program to covertly build bombs, not electricity. Tehran says it has no such intention.