President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday vowed that Iran would not step back "an inch" in the crisis with world powers over its nuclear drive, in a speech broadcast on state television.

"The Iranian people are steadfast and will not step back an inch against the oppressive powers," Ahmadinejad told a rally in the southwestern province of Kohgelouyeh-Boyerahmad.

His defiant comments come as world powers within the next 10 days await a response from Iran on an offer they presented aiming to end the nuclear crisis.

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