Iran will continue its controversial nuclear research programme no matter what action the UN takes against it, an Iranian nuclear delegation has said. It also composed a statement to the UN nuclear watchdog warning that the US could face unspecified \"harm and pain\" for its opposition to the programme. Watchdog members are debating a report from its head on Iran\'s programme. The US said Iran had enough nuclear material for 10 atomic bombs and it was time for the Security Council to act. The council could begin talks on Iran as soon as next week. It has the power to impose sanctions, but it is not clear that all its key members would back punitive measures. Javad Vaidi, Iran\'s top delegate to the UN watchdog - the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - said Tehran would continue small-scale enrichment despite the IAEA\'s opposition. His delegation\'s statement to the watchdog said: \"The United States may have the power to cause harm and pain but it is also susceptible to harm and pain. \"So if the United States wishes to choose that path, let the ball roll.\" The White House responded by saying that Iran\'s threat was provocative and further isolated Tehran. Mr Vaidi also suggested Iran might at some point cut oil exports. However, Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh later said his country would not halt oil exports even if sanctions were called over the nuclear issue. \"[Economic sanctions] could affect the oil market and prices could go up but it will not affect our decision to continue our supply,\" he said. Iran is the world\'s fourth largest oil exporter. Its economy relies heavily on selling oil. (BBC)