Iran: Supreme leader dismisses sanctions, pledges anti-Israel support

Tehran, 3 Feb. (AKI) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday criticised international sanctions against his country saying they will harm the United States and pledged to not not waver under pressure to give stop enriching uranium.

"Threatening Iran and attacking Iran will harm America," he said during a speech broadcast live on television to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. "Sanctions will not have any impact on our determination to continue our nuclear course."

Khamenei also turned his attention to Israel saying Iran would lend support to "any nation or group that wants to confront and fight against the Zionist regime."

Iran is a sponsor of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak on Thursday said that if sanction don't force Iran to stop enriching uranium "there will be the need to consider taking action."

Iran denies it is developing nuclear weapons.