Azerbaijan, Baku, 2 July / Trend E.Tariverdiyeva /
Iran lives under difficult conditions due to the pressure of U.S. sanctions, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with Russia Today.
"It is not easy for Iran to continue economic development. However, people are not experiencing life-threatening problems. We have the ability to export steel and its production has doubled," he said.
The Iranian president noted the importance of oil revenues to the economy.
"The main export item is oil. Here we are facing certain obstacles, however, the difficulties are encountered by all countries," the Iranian leader said.
The Head of State also noted the development of Iranian science.
"Iran is gradually becoming a nuclear power. Significant progress has been made in the field of new technologies," Ahmadinejad said.
On June 3, the U.S. imposed a new round of sanctions to isolate Iran.
U.S. President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct transactions with Iran.
President Obama has also approved sanctions against those who develop business with the automotive sector of Iran.
The U.S. and Western powers have imposed a series of economic sanctions against Iran. Tehran says its nuclear programme is solely for power generation and medical purposes.
According to Ahmadinejad, the creation of nuclear weapons is not for hostile purposes.
"But as long as there are rivals are out there, it is necessary. Hopefully, reasonable forces in the United States will prevail and not allow the use of a nuclear arsenal," the president of Iran said.
Ahmadinejad highlighted the pressure of the U.S. and its allies on Iran noting the lack of dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
"Direct dialogue is the best way to solve problems. We have been stating this from the very beginning. But if someone puts the hammer over your head and insists to join the dialogue, it is hardly possible. The dialogue presupposes equality, not violence," Ahmadinejad said.
On the Syrian issue, Iranian President said the military development of the situation is in any way wrong.
"The way of war is the wrong way. The second option is to find a common understanding. The nation must reach a consensus. However in general, this problem will not to be solved soon," Ahmadinejad said.
According to the president of Iran, the situation in Syria could spread to neighbouring countries.
"Many benefit from such a development of this type of situation in the region," the Iranian president said.