President rules out UN debate with Iran
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The White House has ruled out a "steel-cage grudge match" between President George Bush and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after the Iranian President challenged him to a debate at the UN General Assembly.
Both leaders are to speak on 19 September, when the 192-nation assembly convenes in New York for its annual ministerial session.
President Ahmadinejad has renewed his offer of a televised debate with the American President, saying the UN would be the perfect location for an uncensored discussion which the world could watch.
But a White House spokesman, Tony Snow, said: "There's not going to be a steel-cage grudge match between the President and Ahmadinejad."
Mr Ahmadinejad, who has been outspoken in defending Iran's right to enrich uranium in defiance of UN demands, was described as a "street-fighter" in a meeting with the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, in Tehran this week.
Diplomats from six major powers met in Berlin yesterday to discuss how the security council should respond to Iran's failure to meet a UN deadline for a freeze on uranium enrichment. The process can lead to production of nuclear weapons, but Iran says its intentions are peaceful.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments