"The French people must be ashamed of the statements by their president, who in the post-Cold War is seeking pretexts to use nuclear weapons," he added.

Chirac said France's doctrine of nuclear deterrence has been extended to protect the country's strategic supplies, IRNA informs.

Haddad-Adel, who was talking during Sunday's open session, said Chirac's comments were shocking, prompting strong outcry by France's European allies and political circles throughout the world.

Germany's Green deputy Winfried Nachtwei said Chirac's comments were totally adventurous and irresponsible.

The French president's statements were also censured by German dailies.

"Chirac's comments are clearly counterproductive," the economic daily Handelsblatt said.

The Westdeutsche Zeitung in Duesseldorf said, "Chirac's threat is not only unwise, but also counterproductive because it gives the impression that diplomatic means are very limited in the face of nuclear ambitions."

The Majlis speaker noted Chirac's comments aim to compensate for the recent unrest that damaged France's prestige.