Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Photo: Reuters
Ahmadinejad: Pressure won't deter Iran
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says international community's threat of punitive action over nuclear program only bolsters its resolve
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Saturday that new international sanctions over his country's nuclear program would only strengthen it by helping make it more self-sufficient.
In a speech Saturday, the Iranian president also said US pressure on Iran had backfired and made Washington more isolated in the eyes of the world.
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"Don't think you can stump Iran's progress. You can make your statements and declare your resolutions, but our nation is adamant to forge on."
President Barack Obama said Thursday that six world powers dealing with Iran's nuclear program will develop a package of serious new punitive measures over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment in the coming weeks.
China has not confirmed US reports it has dropped its opposition to possible new UN sanctions. Beijing has veto power in the UN Security Council and its support would be key to passing a new resolution.
Earlier, it was revealed that Javedan Mehr Toos, a rather obscure Iranian firm linked to Tehran's nuclear program, was bale to acquire critical valves and vacuum gauges necessary for uranium enrichment.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and western intelligence agencies were probing the purchased, which took place despite sanctions intended to keep such equipment out of Iran.
On Thursday Iran dismissed the threat of by world powers saying the rhetoric was "just an empty threat that has been ineffective against Tehran for the past 30 years."
AP and AFP contributed to this report
