TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's president has accused the UN nuclear watchdog of leaking information to the U.S. and says that's the reason Tehran refuses to allow international inspectors unannounced access to the country's nuclear facilities.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made similar allegations against the International Atomic Energy Agency in the past. But his comments Thursday come ahead of expected talks with world powers in the coming weeks over Iran's disputed nuclear program.

The Iranian leader was quoted by state TV as saying that Tehran will not accept the so-called additional protocol because it would place its nuclear activities under IAEA supervision.

He said that is unacceptable because the agency "gives information to the United States."

The West suspects Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes.