UNITED NATIONS: Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday accused the West of nuclear “intimidation” in speech to the UN General Assembly which was boycotted by the United States and Israel.

But the Iranian president steered clear of toxic remarks about Israel in his final appearance at the UN summit before he stands down next year.

“Arms race and intimidation by nuclear weapons and weapons of mass-destruction by the hegemonic powers have become prevalent,” Ahmadinejad said in a rare outburst in the rambling speech.

“Continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists to resort to military action against our great nation is a clear example of this bitter reality,” he added.

Iran faces mounting international pressure over its nuclear drive, which western powers say hides a bid to develop a nuclear bomb.

Iran denies the charge but there has been mounting speculation that Israel could launch a military strike against Iran's bunkered nuclear facilities.

President Barack Obama told the UN assembly on Tuesday that the United States will “do what we must” to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.