UN sanctions will not affect nuclear programme: Ahmadinejad

Tehran: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has labeled Iran's enemies "idiots" and says that UN sanctions will not make his country abandon its nuclear programme.

Addressing industrialists in northern Iran on Monday, the Iranian leader says the sanctions will only help Iran, forcing it toward achieving greater economic self-sufficiency. The President's speech was broadcast live on state television.

The United States and its allies say Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran however denies the charge, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

The United Nations last month slapped a fourth round of sanctions on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme.