"We are determined to continue enrichment and others cannot stop us," he told reporters on his return from a trip to India, calling on the Europeans to take "serious steps" in their negotiations with Iran on its nuclear activities.

Iran has agreed to a temporary freeze on enrichment, a key process in the nuclear fuel cycle, during its negotiations with the Europeans aimed at allaying Western concerns over its activities.

The United States has accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons and hinted at the possible use of military force but President George W. Bush said Tuesday that the notion of an attack was "simply ridiculous".

But he added: "Having said that, all options are on the table."

Iran has vehemently denied it is pursuing a nuclear weapons program and Kharazi said Wednesday: "They cannot do anything with bullying, threats and pressure."

Britain, France and Germany are leading diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear enrichment program in return for a package of political and economic benefits.

"The Islamic republic of Iran must be assured that Europeans are taking serious steps towards their commitments of transferring technology, investment and maintaining Iran's security," Kharazi said.

Iran has agreed to freeze enrichment during the negotiations but the Europeans want it to permanently give up the processs, which depending on its degree can create fuel for power generation or for making an atomic bomb.

"Iran's enrichment program is only for the fuel cycle, it will never go beyond that," Kharazi said.

The Iranian minister also accused the United States of putting pressure on Iran's main ally in the region, Syria, "to secure benefits for Israel".

And he accused European nations which have called for a Syrian withdrawal from neighboring Lebanon of "interference" in its domestic affairs.

"The Lebanese must be careful not to fall in the trap of foreigners who are using beautiful words but are pursuing their own political interests," he added.

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