DONALD RUMSFELD, US DEFENCE MINISTER: ...which they then, of course, could sell as they sell ballistic missile technologies to terrorist states or terrorist organisations.

Claiming that they feared an American attack, North Korea revealed that they already secretly possessed nuclear weapons and declared they were willing to use them in self-defence. They then withdrew from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and threw out inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, headed by Mohamed el-Baradei.

MOHAMED EL-BARADEI: The current situation clearly sets a dangerous precedent.

The headache for the agency, the world's main nuclear watchdog, didn't end there. America accused Iran of seeking a nuclear-weapons capacity and is now seeking international action.

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH: We will not tolerate construction of a nuclear weapon. Iran would be dangerous if they have a nuclear weapon.

Iran claims it's merely building a conventional nuclear power plant with Russian assistance. But last week, the Atomic Energy Agency raised serious concerns about the country's nuclear program and have sought further access to various sites.

Ongoing internal protests against the government in recent weeks, has complicated Iran's response. They fear that the nuclear accusation is part of a broader campaign to bring down the government.

The Americans have made no secret of their enthusiasm for regime change and their support for the Iranian opposition.

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH: They need to know America stands squarely by their side. And I would urge the Iranian administration to treat them with the utmost of respect.

Under threat from both inside and out, the fear now is that Iran will follow North Korea's lead abandoning international conventions and seeking a weapons program to defend itself.