In a speech commemorating Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country’s top leader reiterates the will of the Iranian people to take on an historic role and defend its rights, including its right to atomic energy.

Tehran (AsiaNews) – God could take the Iranian people to task if it does not defend its rights, including the right to develop a nuclear programme, warned Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a speech given in Tabriz on the 29th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, he spoke about the Iranian people’s will to reiterate its role in the world and criticised those, above all the United States, who are opposed to the country’s progress.

“Against the barrage of propaganda and pressures, the Iranian nation unequivocally declares it would protect its rights and would fulfil them knowing that the God would take it to task in case it fails the mission,” he said.

Khamenei’s remarks come just under a month before Mohamed El Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will release his report on Iran’s nuclear programme.

A spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry referred to the IAEA chief’ report as he criticised claims made by the United States concerning Iran’s new generation of centrifuges, which are designed in his opinion to promote new sanctions against his country.

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