We'll prevent Iran getting nuclear bomb vows Clinton

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued her strongest warning yet that Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

In a statement to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, she said the US and its allies, particularly Israel, will not let Tehran threaten the Middle East.

"If you're pursuing nuclear weapons for the purpose of intimidating, of projecting your power, we're not going to let that happen," said Mrs Clinton.

"We are going to do everything we can to prevent you from getting a nuclear weapon. Your pursuit is futile."

Mrs Clinton has just returned from a security summit in Thailand where she spoke of a "defence umbrella" to shield Middle Eastern countries from nuclear attack. She revealed US and Israeli leaders will meet this week to discuss the situation in Iran, and urged them to give American policy time to work.

Israel is seen as a primary target of Tehran's nuclear-weapons programme, and there are fears the Israelis might launch a pre-emptive strike.

"The United States believes Israel has a right to security," said Mrs Clinton. "We believe, however, that this approach we are taking holds out the promise of realising our common objectives." She said the US would continue to negotiate with Mr Ahmadinejad who was returned to power in a disputed election.