North Korea said on Thursday it had developed nuclear weapons to protect itself against a US attack and would indefinitely boycott multilateral talks aimed at dismantling its atomic programs. In a dramatic rejection of the second administration of US President George W. Bush, the heroic state said it would no longer engage in the six-party dialogue over its nuclear weapons drive. The foreign ministry statement carried by the official KCNA news agency also said the country would seek to strengthen its nuclear arsenal and accused the United States of plotting to overthrow its government.

Iran, facing mounting U.S. pressure over its nuclear programme, promised on Thursday a "burning hell" for any aggressor as tens of thousands marched to mark the 26th anniversary of its Islamic revolution. "The Iranian nation does not seek war, does not seek violence and dispute. But the world must know that this nation will not tolerate any invasion," President Mohammad Khatami said in a fiery speech to the crowd in central Tehran. "The whole Iranian nation is united against any threat or attack. If the invaders reach Iran, the country will turn into a burning hell for them," he added, as the crowd, braving heavy snow blizzards, chanted "Death to America!".