President Bush says he will ask the U.N. Security Council to convene on February 5 to "consider the facts on Iraq's ongoing defiance of the world."
In his annual State of the Union address, Mr. Bush said Secretary of State Colin Powell will present intelligence information about Iraq's illegal weapons programs, its efforts to hide them from U.N. inspectors, and its links to terrorist groups. Mr. Bush said the United States would consult, but is prepared to lead a coalition to disarm Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. The president said the men and women of the U.S. armed forces now assembling in the Middle East may face crucial hours ahead. But he said the U.S. military will prevail and bring food, medicine and freedom to the Iraqi people.
The president said the day Saddam Hussein and his regime are removed from power will be the day of liberation for Iraqis.
Speaking on the war on terrorism, President Bush said the gravest danger the world faces are what he termed "outlaw regimes" that seek and possess nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
Mr. Bush also highlighted his top domestic goals, including boosting the economy with tax relief, and reforming health care.
The speech was President Bush's second State of the Union address. Last year, an estimated 52 million television viewers watched the speech.