(xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-25 01:50

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here on Monday that Iran maintains a defensive policy and will not attack any country including Israel.

"Iran will not attack any country," and has "never sought to expand its territory," Associated Press quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in an exclusive interview.

In response to reports that the United States is preparing for war against Iran, the Iranian leader said "That is not how I see it ... I believe that some of the talk in this regard arises first of all from anger. Secondly, it serves the electoral purposes domestically in this country. Third, it serves as a cover for policy failures over Iraq."

Ahmadinejad also reiterated his call for a debate at the United Nations on world issues with U.S. President George W. Bush.

Last week, the White House rejected the suggestion that a debate might take place between Bush and Ahmadinejad on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

"I don't think that will happen," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

The Iran leader is to make a speech and answer questions at Columbia University on Monday afternoon. He is also due to address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.