The world powers cannot stop Iran's nuclear progress, state media on Monday quoted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying upon his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

"The talks made by some (countries) will be no hurdle in the course of progress of the Iranian nation," Ahmadinejad told state television network IRIB in New York.

The president was referring to the demand by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (5+1) for Iran to suspend its controversial uranium enrichment process or face further political isolation and financial sanctions.

"Iran is a powerful country and stands for peace and humanity and has constantly moved within legal boundaries. Iran has been and will be successful in going its way," the president added.

Ahmadinejad is expected by observers to reiterate at the UN Iran's nuclear rights, reassure other countries of the peaceful nature of Iranian nuclear projects, deny any deviation - as feared by the West - towards a secret military programme, offer resumption of dialogue with the 5+1 over the nuclear dispute but eventually once again reject the main UN demand, enrichment suspension.

While referring to the United States policies in Iraq and Afghanistan and Israeli policies toward Palestinians, Ahmadinejad added that at the UN he would "refer to the roots of big global problems, such as occupation and aggression in different countries, and seek relevant solutions."

Ahmadinejad is critical of the status quo at the United Nations, especially the structure of the Security Council, and wants a stop the domination of the five veto powers, especially the US and Britain, and increase the role of Iran at the UN in tackling global issues.

On Monday, his first working day in New York, the Iranian president was scheduled to give interviews with US media and press outlets and later meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. His speech at the UN General Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday.