Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has proposed holding a live television debate with President Bush on global affairs.

Mr. Ahmadinejad made the proposal at a Tehran news conference Tuesday - two days before a United Nations deadline for Iran to stop uranium enrichment.

The Iranian leader also criticized the U.S. and British role in world affairs after World War II.

Monday, a U.S. State Department spokesman expressed disappointment that Iran apparently intends to defy the U.N. Security Council and continue its uranium-enrichment program.

The spokesman, Sean McCormack, said international consultations on a response are under way.

Iran faces a Security Council deadline on Thursday to stop reprocessing uranium, or face possible sanctions.

The West accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge.

Nearly three months ago, the United States and other world powers - the other permanent members of the Security Council, plus Germany - offered Iran a package of incentives if Tehran ends sensitive nuclear work and returns to negotiations on its standoff with the West.

Iran said last week it is prepared to have "serious talks" on the issue but will not give up what it calls its sovereign right to pursue nuclear technology.