Sarkozy added there would be no world peace if the international community "shows weakness in the face of the proliferation of nuclear weapons," in a speech received with loud applause from the rest of the assembly.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said last week that France was preparing for war as a worst-case scenario, but Ahmadinejad described such talk as "a propaganda tool. Why is there a need for a war?" he asked.

The United States is pushing for further UN sanctions on Tehran and would hold talks with the four other members of the Security Council -- France, Britain, Russia and China -- along with Germany on the issue this week.

Kouchner and his Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, were meanwhile to meet later Tuesday on the sidelines of the General Assembly, diplomats said.