Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is expected to explain his country's nuclear program during a scheduled speech Saturday to the United Nations general assembly.
In recent comments at the United Nations, Mr. Ahmadinejad has reiterated his country's long-standing contention that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. He has also alarmed U.S. and other diplomats with on offer to share nuclear technology with other Islamic states.
Mr. Ahmadinejad's speech is expected to contain new proposals to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Diplomats say the address could result in a continuation of European mediation over the nuclear issue or it could lead to a referral of the matter to the Security Council. The International Atomic Energy Agency's governing board will convene a meeting on the issue Monday in Vienna.