His comments came as the Guardian newspaper reported that France has offered to create a joint nuclear deterrent with Britain by sharing submarine patrols, but London has so far opposed the idea as politically unacceptable.

Brazilian Air Force General Juniti Saito said last month that Brazil likely would make its pick known in late March, but did not set a date.

Nokia rejected the claim and said the network equipment sold to Iran in 2008 could in fact boost freedom of expression.