Since Iran resumed uranium enrichment in January 2006, the country has been the focus of international concerns, as some Western countries, particularly the United States, suspect Tehran is pursuing a covert weapons program. But Tehran has consistently claimed it needs nuclear power for civilian power generation and is full entitled to its own nuclear program.
"The great powers do not want the Iranian people to take advantage of their legal rights," Ahmadinejad said in an interview with Iranian television. "The UN Security Council is getting weaker at protecting nations' rights, while the actions of some powers deprive it [the UN Security Council] completely of its power [to protect rights]."
The president reiterated that Iran will not give up its plans and will carry on with the development of its nuclear program.
"Powerful states have started a psychological and political war with Iran, however they know that in reality there is nothing they can do," Ahmadinejad said.
In a draft resolution circulated last week, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia, and Germany said they would impose a ban on Iranian arm exports and arm sales to Iran, restrict foreign trips for some Iranian officials and leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, an elite military unit commanded by the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The draft resolution also recommends countries and international financial organizations not to issue loans and grants to Iran, except for humanitarian purposes, and to freeze accounts of listed individuals and companies involved in nuclear and missile project program development.
The project authors believe a vote on the Iran resolution could be taken later this week.
Ahmadinejad also said he intended to stand up for Iran's right to civilian nuclear energy at the UN Security Council session, but has not yet decided on the date of his visit to the United States.
"The date has not been fixed yet," he said. "We are waiting for a date for the Iranian nuclear dossier to be considered at the UN Security Council."
Last Monday the U.S. State Department said American visas were issued for Ahmadinejad and members of the Iranian delegation that would be escorting him during the visit to New York.
In response to Iran's unwillingness to give up its nuclear ambitions, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1737 last December, which provided for sanctions against Iran banning activities involving uranium enrichment, chemical reprocessing, heavy water-based projects, and the production of nuclear weapons delivery systems.
