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Earlier in the week, Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, kicked off a conference on the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty with a fiery denunciation of the United States. Iranian officials were hoping to demonstrate during a month-long treaty review conference that Iran retains strong support from others, especially in the developing world.

Some diplomats and private analysts said Ahmadinejad's speech worked against Iranian interests. Though many countries agreed with some of his arguments, the Iranian leader's strident approach was of concern.