United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS): Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accused some "hegemonic powers" of intimidating his country, citing military threats from Israel, Xinhua reported.

"Arms race and intimidation by nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction by the hegemonic powers have become prevalent," Ahmadinejad said during the annual debate of the UN General Assembly.

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

Ahmadinejad's remarks came after US President Barack Obama warned Tuesday that time was "not unlimited" for the diplomatic settlement of the Iran nuclear issue, and that Washington would do what it must to stop Tehran from getting a nuclear bomb.

Major Western powers and Israel have long suspected that Tehran is secretly developing nuclear weapons, but Iran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only. Israel has threatened to use pre-emptive strikes to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities.