President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that he is eager to attend the Olympic Games in London to support Iranian athletes but that Britain doesn't want to host him.

Ahmadinejad was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as saying he would like to be "beside Iranian athletes" during the games but that the British are reluctant to have him.

"I would like to be next to our young athletes at the 2012 Olympics but the host has a problem with this," said Ahmadinejad during a meeting with Iranian athletes who have qualified for the Olympics.

Ahmadinejad did not specify whether he has officially requested to attend the games or say if Britain has refused him entry.

There was no immediate comment from the International Olympic Committee.

Britain has been in a standoff with Iran over the country's nuclear program, which the West suspects is aimed at producing an atomic weapon. Iran denies the charge, insisting the program is for peaceful purposes only.