Iran standing firm on nuclear rights

TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reiterated that his nation has no plans to end its nuclear program despite international criticism.

Ahmadinejad said such international efforts have been attempting to thwart Iran's nuclear efforts the past 28 years, but Iran has managed to overcome all but a select few of its detractors, Alalam Satellite TV reported Sunday.

"With the grace of God, the Islamic Republic has overcome all difficulties in the nuclear field through solidarity and resistance of the nation," he said.

Citing his nation's numerous successes in the field of nuclear technology, the president also called on opponents to learn from their mistakes.

"Although you have treated the Iranian nation badly, we are advising you to take lessons from your mistakes and change your attitude toward other nations," Ahmadinejad said.

The president's comments on National Youth Day also included a message of hope for both his nation's nuclear program and its youth, Alalam reported.

"The future belongs to all pious and committed youths of the world and the enemies' plots against the great Iranian nation are doomed to fail," the president said.