Iran Demands 'Western Respect' on 33rd Islamic Revolution Day

Thousands have rallied in Tehran to celebrate the 33th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution. Photo by ISNA

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has declared the West should cease speaking to Iran "in the language of force" if it wants to resolve the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.

"If you continue to speak to Iran from a position of strength, the Iranian people will never accept this," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said at an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic revolution, as cited by RIA Novosti.

Ahmadinejad also said that Iran was ready to return to talks with world powers on its disputed nuclear program but said the West must "respect Iran's rights." He also said Iran would not bow to pressure and budge from its principles.

Western powers suspect Iran of seeking to create a nuclear bomb and have tightened sanctions. The European Union will also stop importing Iranian oil from July 1. Tehran says its program is aimed at the production of civilian energy.

Speculation has been growing in recent weeks that Israel may be preparing to attack Iran to counter what it views as a serious threat to its national security. The United States has also refused to rule out force.

"The West and Israel think only of their own interests... but they must know their time will come," Ahmadinejad told thousands of supporters at Tehran's Freedom Square.

Ahmadinejad also praised Iran's achievements since the 1979 Islamic revolution and said Tehran would make an important announcement on the progress of its nuclear program "in several days."

Also present at the rally at the foot of the Alborz mountains were members of Iran's elite revolutionary guard. Ahmadinejad's arrival at the rally was met with confetti dropped by military helicopters that swooped low above the cheering crowd.

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