Tehran:  Iran has begun loading domestically-made nuclear fuel rods into its Tehran research reactor, a defiant move in response to toughening Western sanctions.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who inserted the first Iranian-made nuclear fuel rod into the reactor in north Tehran, today addressed the media on the nation's nuclear achievements.

Here are the highlights of his address:

• Our purposes are peaceful; it is all propaganda against us.
• Stop opposing our programme; nobody can monopolise nuclear science
  
• They tried to stop us. Our scientists went through difficult times and produced what they did today.
• There is US pressure on every nuclear power. They do not want other nations to progress.
  
• They embarked on assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists; they do not want knowledge to spread. What sins had our scientists committed?
• They will be no room for plundering by great powers if everyone has the knowledge.
• Any nation that wants to progress, wants freedom , they need to stand against this and crush all restrictions imposed by these arrogant powers.
• US has 10,000 bombs and they say they are against bombs; history will laugh at them.
• They say all options are on the table; let it be on the table till it rots.
• This is not the time for bullying; the world has changed.
• These are major achievements. 
• This reactor is a research reactor that produces medicine.
• 2 years ago they said they will not give us fuel; we told them they were making a mistake, Iran will make the fuel.
• I would like to extend congratulations to the Iranian nations
• This belongs to all humanity; we are willing to export these designs to IAEA states.
• This need to be pursued with power; do not be intimidated by propaganda
  

Tags: Ahmedinejad, Iran, Iran nuclear reactors, Iran President