Iran today said United Nations sanctions against its nuclear programme were "illegal" and blamed the United States - the main proponent of the measures - for the spread of atomic weapons around the world.
In a defiant statement read out by a hardline cleric at Friday prayers, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the sanctions broke the UN charter and should be revoked.
"The entrance of the United Nations Security Council in the Islamic Republic of Iran's peaceful nuclear activities is illegal and invalid," said the statement, issued by the body which coordinates Iran's defence and security policy.
"[The UN Security] Council should swiftly take corrective action and correct its past mistakes," it said.
The council voted earlier this month for a fourth round of sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme which the West fears could lead to nuclear weapons.
Iran, which denies it is seeking the bomb, has dismissed the measures as ineffective, but further, tougher US and European sanctions could have greater impact, analysts say.
Reuters