Updated April 03, 2010
Fox News
AP
In a speech Saturday, the Iranian president said U.S. pressure on Iran had backfired and made Washington more isolated in the eyes of the world.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the parliament in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 24. (AP Photo)
In a speech, Ahmadinejad also said U.S. steps to pressure Iran have backfired and instead have isolated Washington in the eyes of the world.
"Don't imagine that you can stop Iran's progress," Ahmadinejad said in remarks broadcast live on state television. "The more you reveal your animosity, the more it will increase our people's motivation to double efforts for construction and progress of Iran."
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 coming weeks.
China has not confirmed U.S. reports that it has dropped its opposition to possible new U.N. sanctions against Iran. China has veto power in the U.N. Security Council and its support would be key to passing a resolution against Iran.
The U.S. and some of its allies have accused Iran of seeking to use its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has denied the charge, saying its nuclear program is geared towards generating electricity, not bombs.
Three rounds of earlier United Nations sanctions have already been imposed.
Iran's economy has suffered over the past year, and parliament approved a cut in subsidies that keep fuel prices low, a further blow to Iranians already experiencing high unemployment and inflation.
The U.N. Security Council could consider new punishments on Iran, including increasing financial squeezes on the extensive holdings of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The U.S. has also said it could seek to penalize companies that sell fuel to the oil-rich Islamic republic, which imports about 40 percent of the fuel it needs because its refineries cannot keep pace.
Iran has periodically boasted of what it says is growing self-sufficiency in technological sectors like its satellite program and other scientific work.
Seeking to demonstrate that point, Ahmadinejad's speech on Saturday was to workers at the inauguration of an industrial project in southern Iran.
He said Iran need not be bothered by the prospect of new sanctions.
"They (Americans) said they want to impose fuel sanctions. ... They don't understand that they work in our favor. They imagine we will get upset should they refuse to sell gasoline to us. ... No, we immediately tell experts to produce it," he said.
Ahmadinejad said the U.S. has failed to isolate Iran. He said the fact that Obama's recent visit to Afghanistan was not announced beforehand for security reasons was evidence of America's own isolation.
"First, let's see who is isolated. We think those who can't show up publicly among the people and directly address them are isolated, those who fear nations. Gentlemen go to a country where they have 60,000 troops without any prior announcement. Who is isolated?" Ahmadinejad said.
The Iranian president noted that his own trip to Afghanistan was announced in advance and said he was warmly received.
"You are isolated yourself, but you are hotheaded and don't understand it," Ahmadinejad said.
Note: ... Is anyone in Washington, DC listening to the scoffing coming from America's enemy? You know, the guy who wishes to "wipe Israel off the face of the map"?! Anyone left in Washington with enough stamina to confront Obama and ask him when America plans to stop this guy in Tehran?! At this point, the intended "sanctions" continually postponed by Obama probably would not effect Iran... time for stronger measures, don't you think? Swallow your pride, put aside your ego, and telephone Israel - the one ally who can help America take down the Madman of Tehran. The world will thank you! BeeSting
