TEHRAN, Iran – State television says the Iranian president has assessed that the EU new sanctions will have no effect on the country's nuclear activities.
A report Thursday on the broadcaster's Web site cites President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying that even though the West imposed new sanctions on Iran, "they know this sort of action will not affect the will and the determination of the Iranian nation."
"Even if they succeed to close all doors on Iran, the Iranian nation will become more determined to continue its nuclear path," Ahmadinejad said.
Ahmadinejad said the EU sanctions "cannot block the progress of Iran."
"On the nuclear issue ... the enemies were not able to stop our nation and will never succeed in stopping our program," Ahmadinejad said. "These bullying powers ... should know that threats and pressure will not save them from us."
The European Union on Tuesday listed 20 Iranian companies and 15 individuals who will be affected by the new sanctions imposed over Tehran's nuclear defiance.
The U.S and its allies accuse Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon program. Iran denies the charge.
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