Tehran's plans to resume nuclear fuel research have been criticised by the international community, particularly the United States, which fears Iran would produce nuclear weapons under the guise of developing a civilian nuclear energy program.

"Iran, or any other country, has the right to produce atomic energy for peaceful means and to have access to modern technology for this purpose," Castro was quoted as saying.

The report said the Iranian leader had thanked Castro for his support during their telephone conversation on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Ahmadinejad -- talking to an audience in Qom -- said Iran would not bow to Western "bullies" which already have nuclear arsenals.

"Those who have nuclear weapons and have used them in the worst way against people in the world have no right to prevent nations from achieving peaceful nuclear energy," the ultra-conservative president said.

Castro's backing for Tehran to develop a civilian nuclear energy program came as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned in Washington that Iran could be hauled before the UN Security Council if it pursues its bid to resume nuclear fuel work from January 9.

"In terms of the next phase, if negotiations have been exhausted, we have the votes, there is a resolution sitting there on the Security Council, we'll vote it," she said.

In September 2005, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found Iran in non-compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, paving the way for the matter to be referred to the UN Security Council if Iran does not halt nuclear fuel work and cooperate fully with IAEA inspectors.

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