Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Fathollahi has downplayed US-engineered sanctions against the Islamic Republic, saying the Iranian nation will never succumb to pressure, Press TV reported.
"After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran (in 1979), the United States pursued the policy of imposing sanctions and exerting pressure on Tehran. However, the ineptitude of sanctions has been proven in practice," IRNA quoted Fathollahi as speaking in a meeting with senior Chinese researchers in Beijing on Wednesday.
"The Iranian nation has repeatedly proved that it will not bow to US pressure and will continue on the path of progress and development despite all difficulties and sanctions," he added.
Fathollahi pointed out that Iran's nuclear activities are merely aimed at peaceful applications "to meet the country's increasing need to clean energy."
He emphasized that Iran is an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has had the highest level of cooperation with the two nuclear regulatory agencies.
"All nuclear activities of the country have been carried out under the surveillance of IAEA inspectors," the Iranian official further explained.
He also praised the "growing and positive" relations between Tehran and Beijing over the past 40 years, when bilateral ties were first initiated.
Fathollahi also expressed Iran's readiness to promote cooperation with China in different fields, adding that cooperation between Tehran and Beijing will also benefit regional states.
'Iran will never succumb to US pressure' - Deputy Foreign Minister
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Fathollahi has downplayed US-engineered sanctions against the Islamic Republic, saying the Iranian nation will never succumb to pressure, Press TV reported
