Ali Larijani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council, made the warning as he gave a report on the Islamic Republics nuclear progress at the Assembly of Experts, an exclusively clerical body which designates the countrys all-powerful Supreme Leader, state television reported.
Larijani said that since June 2005, when hard-line Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ascended to the Presidency, Irans nuclear policy underwent a fundamental change.
In this phase Iran bluntly announced that it would not abandon its peaceful nuclear activities, Larijani said.
Iran experts have argued that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed former Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmadinejad to the Presidency in order to cement his grip on power. The Revolutionary Guards, which are loyal to the Supreme Leader, are believed to have played a pivotal role in securing Ahmadinejads victory in the elections which were marred by widespread claims of vote rigging.
Hundreds of Revolutionary Guards commanders have since been given senior government positions. At least 13 ministers in Ahmadinejads cabinet hail from the Revolutionary Guards.
Larijani, himself a former Revolutionary Guards commander, told the assembly that Iran would continue to insist on its inalienable nuclear right.
Our allies and enemies must know that the Islamic Republic will not waver in realising its national right
He accused the United States of pursuing a soft war against Iran.
