Iran leader in Bush 'Satan' claim

Ahmadinejad says he has inspirational links to God

By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly delivered a scathing attack on US President George W Bush, saying he is inspired by Satan.

Speaking to a group of supporters, Mr Ahmadinejad said he himself had inspirational links to God, Iranian media reports.

He was talking to supporters at a mosque in the capital Tehran.

The reports come as Iran is facing the prospect of UN sanctions over its nuclear programme.

The president has been making light of the risk of any confrontation with the outside world.

According to the Iranian media, Mr Ahmadinejad said he had inspirational links to God, and went on to say that if you were a true believer, God would show you miracles.

Then the Iranian president said Mr Bush was similar to him.

According to Mr Ahmadinejad, the US president also receives inspiration - but it is from Satan.

He repeated: "Satan inspires Mr Bush."

Mr Ahmadinejad also reiterated that Iran would not suspend its nuclear programme, "even for one hour", and said there would be no retreat, "even one millimetre back".

He dismissed talk about possible war breaking out over the nuclear issue as nonsense, saying some people were making an unnecessary fuss about US naval ships reportedly sailing towards the region.