Iran accuses West of psychological war

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday accused some big powers of waging psychological warfare against Iran, which is facing the prospect of tougher UN sanctions over its nuclear programme.

His televised address to mark the Iranian new year made clear again that Iran's leadership has no intention of bowing to pressure and halting sensitive nuclear activities, which the US says is a cover for building atom bombs. The UN Security Council is discussing a resolution that would impose new penalties on Iran for refusing to suspend its uranium enrichment work. Enriched uranium can be used to fuel power plants, or if highly enriched, to make nuclear weapons.

Iran, the world's fourth largest oil exporter, says the programme is peaceful and intended to produce electricity.

"By psychological warfare, propaganda and misuse of the organisations they have themselves created... they are trying to prevent our nation's development," Mr Ahmadinejad said.

He has previously accused the US and Britain of using the Security Council as a tool against Iran.

Mr Ahmadinejad also appeared to hit out at a Hollywood blockbuster called "300" that depicts a 480 B.C. battle between Greeks and Persians. Iranian officials and the public see the film as a Western attempt to vilify Iran's image.

"Today they are trying to tamper with history by making a film and by making Iran's image look savage," he said.

The proposed UN resolution would embargo Iranian arms exports and freeze financial assets abroad of 28 individuals, groups and companies.

It is a follow-up to a previous resolution adopted by the Security Council in December and was expected to be voted on this week after Germany and permanent council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the US agreed on the text.

But South Africa, the council's current chair, has called for all the main proposed sanctions to be dropped. The council could probably adopt the measure without South African backing, but the major powers had wanted it passed unanimously.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said amendments proposed by South Africa and Indonesia deserved "attentive consideration".

He also said Russia, which has commercial and political ties to Tehran, would not back "excessive sanctions" against Iran. Russian officials say they share Western concerns about a nuclear-armed Iran but argue a policy of constructive engagement can prevent this more effectively than one that corners Tehran.