Iran vows 'burning hell' for any aggressor

Iran, facing mounting US pressure over its nuclear programme, promised yesterday a "burning hell" for any aggressor as tens of thousands marched to mark the 26th anniversary of its Islamic revolution.

"The Iranian nation does not seek war, does not seek violence and dispute. But the world must know that this nation will not tolerate any invasion," President Mohammad Khatami said in a fiery speech to the crowd in central Tehran.

"The whole Iranian nation is united against any threat or attack. If the invaders reach Iran, the country will turn into a burning hell for them," he added, as the crowd, braving heavy snow, chanted "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!".

Senior officials had called for a big turnout at the revolution anniversary parades to send a message to Washington which has toughened its stance on Iran in recent weeks.

US President George W. Bush said on Wednesday a nuclear-armed Iran would be "a very destabilising force" and urged the West to work together to stop this happening.

"The Iranians just need to know that the free world is working together to send a very clear message: Don't develop a nuclear weapon," Mr Bush said.

Unlike North Korea, which yesterday openly declared it has made nuclear arms, Iran denies US accusations it is building bombs under cover of a civilian nuclear energy programme.

But Iran, too, has hardened its language in recent days, refusing to contemplate scrapping sensitive activities like uranium enrichment - which can be used to make bomb-grade material - and vowing to accelerate work on its programme if the United States or Israel attacked its atomic plants.