Sanctions aimed at pressuring Iranian people: Rohani

“You must know that the objective of sanctions - contrary to what those who have imposed the sanctions claim - is to put pressure on different groups of people,” Rohani said in response to a question posed by Press TV correspondent on Tuesday in his first press conference since he took office on Sunday.

“When we are facing numerous problems for meeting our basic needs, even wheat for people, and in financial transactions … it is clear that the objective of these sanctions is neither nuclear nor missile programs, but putting pressure on people’s livelihood,” he added.

Rohani noted that the sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear energy program could never bring a halt to Iran’s “nuclear and missile activities.”

The Iranian president also pledged to do his utmost to counter the bans.

“…We will not hesitate to get the sanctions lifted and we will exhaust our potentials to that effect,” he said.

“We will open serious talks with foreign parties and will prove that we are serious in the negotiations. But we will not twiddle our thumbs [and wait] for the foreign party to respond affirmatively or negatively,” he stated.

The US, Israel and some of their allies falsely claim that Iran is pursuing non-civilian goals in its nuclear energy program, with Washington and the European Union using the unfounded allegation as a pretext to impose illegal sanctions on Iran.

Tehran has categorically rejected West's accusations, arguing that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

HK