Ahmadinejad nuclear policy has harmed Iran - think tank

Tehran: An Iranian research centre has criticised hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's nuclear policy, saying it has harmed the country.

The Centre for Strategic Research, a moderate group led by former top nuclear negotiator Hasan Rowhani, has accused the president of "distorting facts" to boost chances in upcoming elections.

Ahmadinejad had described a 2003 deal brokered by his predecessor to suspend uranium enrichment as "disgraceful" in contrast to his own aggressive stance to pursue Iran's nuclear programme.

The body said on Saturday that Ahmadinejad's refusal to halt uranium enrichment resulted in UN sanctions that have hurt the country.

Ahmadinejad is facting a tough battle with reformists for the June 12 presidential election.