Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today Tehran would not give up its development of nuclear technology in the face of Western pressure.
"The Iranian nation surely will not abandon its right, and Iranian officials have no right to deprive the nation of its right," Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted by state media as saying on the occasion of the Shia Muslim feast of Eid al-Ghadir.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Ayatollah Khamenei was making his first public appearance since rumours appeared last week that he had died. Iran last week denied the reports.
Ayatollah Khamenei has the final say on all state matters in the Islamic Republic, including the nuclear standoff with the West.
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on December 23rd to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology in an attempt to stop uranium enrichment work that could produce material that could be used in bombs.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called the resolution a "piece of torn paper" and has vowed to press ahead with Iran's peaceful nuclear programme.
The West fears Iran may be pursuing nuclear weapons under cover of a civilian programme.
Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran's nuclear programme was no threat to Middle East countries.
"Our nuclear technology is a native achievement. It is a source of honour for Iran and the Islamic world," he said. "Muslim countries should know that this power belongs to them."
Ayatollah Khamenei said the United States' regional policies have failed and called on Muslims to preserve their unity against "arrogant powers".