WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush reiterated on Friday that Iran's nuclear program is still a threat to the world and the United States will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

    "There are still serious challenges facing the Middle East. Iran and Syria continue to sponsor terror, Iran's uranium enrichment remains a major threat to peace," Bush said in a speech released by the White House and due to be made at the Saban Forum 2008 later in the day.

    "We have made our bottom line clear: For the safety of our people and the peace of the world, America will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon," Bush said, noting that "The regime in Iran is facing greater pressure from the international community than ever before."

    The United States has long accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied U.S. charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

    The annual Saban Forum is the sole, independent, high-level dialogue between Israelis and Americans.