"Within the coming days we will witness (the) opening and operation of new nuclear projects in Iran," Ahmadinejad said at a ceremony in Tehran marking the 33rd anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

He did not say what the new projects would be, but he was likely referring to the opening of the new uranium enrichment site of Fordo, located south of Tehran, which is said to be capable of enrichment at 3.5, 4 and 20 per cent.

"The world should know that despite all pressures, Iran will not withdraw one inch from its principles and (nuclear) rights," he said.

"All countries have put pressure on us for not obtaining nuclear knowhow, but all these pressures were futile. We not only now have the nuclear knowhow but also are capable of providing for our (nuclear) needs by our own local experts," Ahmadinejad said.

Iran is facing international sanctions because of its uncompromising stance in the nuclear dispute, but has so far rejected the main demand by world powers to suspend uranium enrichment.

The ISNA news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as telling reporters at the anniversary rally that "Iran would definitely make history and change the world."