Ahmadinejad says sanctions help Iran's progress

Tehran: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that new international sanctions over Iran's nuclear program would only strengthen the country by helping make it more self-sufficient.

In a speech Saturday, the Iranian president also said US pressure on Iran had backfired and made Washington more isolated in the eyes of the world.

US President Barack Obama said on Thursday that six world powers dealing with Iran's nuclear program will develop a package of serious new punitive measures over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment in the coming weeks.

China has not confirmed US reports it has dropped its opposition to possible new UN sanctions.

China has veto power in the UN Security Council and its support would be key to passing a new resolution.