Ahmadinejad says Iran is under difficult conditions
Iran lives under difficult conditions due to the pressure of U.S. sanctions, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with Russia Today.
"It is not easy for Iran to continue economic development. However, people are not experiencing life-threatening problems. We have the ability to export steel and its production has doubled," he said.
Ahmadineja also noted the importance of oil revenues to the economy.
"The main export item is oil. Here we are facing certain obstacles, however, the difficulties are encountered by all countries," the Iranian leader said.
The U.S. imposed a new round of sanctions to isolate Iran on June .
U.S. President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct transactions with Iran. President Obama has also approved sanctions against those who develop business with the automotive sector of Iran.
The U.S. and Western powers have imposed a series of economic sanctions against Iran. Tehran says its nuclear programme is solely for power generation and medical purposes.
According to Ahmadinejad, the creation of nuclear weapons is not for hostile purposes.
"But as long as there are rivals are out there, it is necessary. Hopefully, reasonable forces in the United States will prevail and not allow the use of a nuclear arsenal," he said.
Ahmadinejad highlighted the pressure of the U.S. and its allies on Iran noting the lack of dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
"Direct dialogue is the best way to solve problems. We have been stating this from the very beginning. But if someone puts the hammer over your head and insists to join the dialogue, it is hardly possible. The dialogue presupposes equality, not violence," Ahmadinejad said.