The President of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, has said no Iranian government will give up the country's drive to master peaceful nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment.
In a speech to foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Mr Khatami also warned that Iran could adopt a new policy which would have massive consequences if talks on its nuclear programme with the European Union do not prosper.
Earlier, the American Secretary of State said European nations must take a tougher line on Iran if the talks with Tehran do not make sufficient progress.
Condoleezza Rice said governments should make it very clear to Tehran that it faces UN sanctions if it does not comply with international law.
Rice in talks with NATO ministers
Following talks at NATO headquarters, Ms Rice said the discussion on Iraq was the best since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime.
After meeting foreign ministers of the alliance, she said it was unified and knew the work that it had to do.
NATO was deeply divided over the Iraq war and along with France, Germany and other nations refused to send troops.
Meanwhile, the US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, is meeting his NATO counterparts in the French city of Nice where he is expected to call for more support for security in Iraq.
