VIENNA, Austria (AP) - The International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday that Iran has defied a U.N. Security Council call for a freeze on enriching uranium and its lack of cooperation with nuclear inspectors was a “matter of concern.”

President Bush said “the world is united and concerned” about what he called Iran’s “desire to have not only a nuclear weapon but the capacity to make a nuclear weapon or the knowledge to make a nuclear weapon.”

The eight-page report, obtained by The Associated Press, said that after more than three years of an IAEA investigation, “the existing gaps in knowledge continue to be a matter of concern.”

“Any progress in that regard requires full transparency and active cooperation by Iran,” said the report, written by IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei.

The finding set the stage for a showdown in the U.N. Security Council, which is expected to meet next week and start a process that could result in punitive measures against the Islamic republic.

But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said no Security Council resolution could make Iran give up its nuclear program.

“The Iranian nation won’t give a damn about such useless resolutions,” Ahmadinejad told thousands of people Friday in Khorramdareh in northwestern Iran before the IAEA report was issued.

“Today, they want to force us to give up our way through threats and sanctions but those who resort to language of coercion should know that nuclear energy is a national demand and by the grace of God, today Iran is a nuclear country,” state-run television quoted him as saying.

I can’t wait to see how the UN handles this one. I’m sure they have a plan and won’t let this just sit around and fester. I reckon in 14 years, something will be done.

Oh, and don’t forget the 70+ resolutions.

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