In an address to an Islamic Awakening summit on Sunday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the United States and Israel were the source of conflict in the region.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, "Today the West wants to create conflict in our region -- to create trouble. Their aim is to protect the Israel. Everyone must be aware. They want to create religious conflict -- to create race conflicts. They want to bring someone down with someone else's hands. I have said to some of the heads of the region that the U.S. wants to use you to bring down the Syrian regime. After they achieve this, then it will be your turn tomorrow."

Ahmadinejad's comments come during a time of heightened tension between Iran and the West. A team of United Nations nuclear inspectors arrived in Tehran on Sunday, hoping to shed light on suspected military dimensions to the country's nuclear ambitions.

Iran denies allegations from the US and its allies, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report in November, detailing suspected atomic weapons research and development.

The report has fuelled international concerns, which has led to more sanctions on Iran. In turn, Tehran is now threatening to halt oil exports to the EU. The latest inspection by the UN's nuclear watchdog looks likely to determine whether Iran will face further isolation.

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