 Though the US does not hold formal diplomatic relations with Iran, Rice was quite entrenched in issues pertaining to Iran, especially in regards to its democratic progress and humanitarian record, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threatening statements toward Israel, and its pursuit of nuclear technology.Rice criticized Iran's human rights record and democratic principles.On February 3, 2005, Rice said the Iranian regime's treatment of its people is "something to be loathed."