Iran to Soon Announce 'Major' Progress in Its Nuclear Program: State TV

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday the Islamic Republic would soon announce very important achievements in the nuclear field, state TV reported.

He was speaking on the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Tens of thousands of Iranians joined state-organized rallies across the country to mark the occasion.

Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei chanted, Death to Israel and Death to America.

In the coming days, the world will witness Iran's announcement of its very important and very major nuclear achievements, Ahmadinejad told a crowd at Tehran's Azadi [Freedom] Square in a speech relayed live on state television. He gave no details.

Tension with the West over Iran's disputed nuclear work has risen in recent weeks. The United States and its European allies have imposed new sanctions to try to force Tehran back to talks before it produces enough nuclear material for an atomic bomb.

Iran says its nuclear program has only peaceful purposes.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Alistair Lyon)