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KERMAN, Iran -- Iran's president is urging Barack Obama to accept a nuclear fuel swap deal, warning the U.S. leader will miss a historic opportunity for improved cooperation from Tehran.

Mahmoud Ahamdinejad says there are those "who want to pit Mr. Obama against the Iranian nation and bring him to the point of no return, where the path to his friendship with Iran will be blocked forever."

Washington says Iran's offer - brokered last week by Brazil and Turkey - is an attempt by Tehran to avoid a new round of U.N. sanctions over its controversial nuclear program, which the West fears is geared toward nuclear weapons.

Ahmadinejad also on Wednesday assailed Russia, saying it caved into American pressure for more sanctions against Iran.