U.S. President George W. Bush said Tuesday that Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere and the United States is ready to confront the danger.

"Iran's active pursuit of technology that could lead to nuclear weapons threatens to put a region already known for instability and violence under the shadow of a nuclear holocaust," Bush said in a speech to the American Legion veterans group in Reno, Nevada.

"Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere, and the United States is rallying friends and allies to isolate Iran's regime, to impose economic sanctions. We will confront this danger before it is too late," Bush said.

Bush also accused Iran of being the world's "leading state sponsor of terrorism" and demanded Iran end its support for extremists in neighboring Iraq.

The United States has often hinted a possible military attack against Iran for its defiance over its nuclear program, but has also insisted that it focuses on diplomatic means to try to resolve the issue.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. However, Iran has said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.