US 'frustrated' in campaign against Iran

"The loathed president of the United States called Iran a 'threat' after [the ceremonies of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory on] February 11. Such baseless comments stem from frustration," Ayatollah Khatami said at the Friday prayers.

The US accuses Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran says its work is directed at the civilian applications of the technology.

The White House, however, has launched a campaign to win international support for punishing Iran for continuing its nuclear program.

China, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, meanwhile, has expressed opposition to any punitive measures against Iran. The country calls for dialogue to resolve the issue.

Ayatollah Khatami touched upon British Foreign Secretary David Miliband's visit to China and noted that he had failed to sway Beijing against Tehran.

He also said a foreign minister of a Persian Gulf country had expressed readiness to respect any sanctions adopted against Iran.

Ayatollah Khatami said such remarks show that certain regional countries lack independence and are "frustrated" before the Iranian nation.


/Press TV/