Tensions over Iran rose several notches today following a series of suspected bomb plots against Israeli diplomats in different countries, and ahead of
an expected announcement on Tehran's nuclear progress.

Iranian officials have denied any involvement in the alleged plots in Thailand, India and Georgia this week, rejecting Israeli accusations that the Islamic republic was behind the "terrorist" acts. 

At the same time, Iran is poised to unveil what it called "achievements" in its controversial nuclear programme.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was to announce the "several" unspecified projects today. The two developments added to geopolitical uncertainty in a worsening showdown between Iran and the West.