SANCTIONS WILL ONLY HELP IRAN: AHMADINEJAD

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran’s enemies are “idiots” and that UN sanctions will not make his country abandon its nuclear programme. Addressing industrialists in northern Iran on July 19, the Iranian leader says the sanctions will only help Iran, forcing it toward achieving greater economic self-sufficiency. The president’s speech was broadcast live on state television. The United States and its allies say Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge, insisting that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. The United Nations last month slapped a fourth round of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme.