Iran stands up to U.S. 'bullying'

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TEHRAN, July 15 (UPI) -- Tehran leads the drive in standing up to the harassment of the United States, the supreme leader of Iran told members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told members of the IRGC that Washington would have no impact on steering the Islamic republic from its true path.

The top cleric told military leaders that world powers "are reluctant" to stand up to the United States and are turning into proxies for Washington's military ambitions.

"However, some stand up to this bullying and the Islamic republic (of Iran) has been at the forefront of this resistance," he was quoted as saying by state-funded broadcaster Press TV.

The leader blasted Washington and its allies for making "empty" threats against Iran, adding Israel's inability to defeat Hamas was indicative of an "ever-increasing weakness" from both nations.

Leading members of the IRGC were listed specifically in the sanctions passed by the U.N. Security Council in June. Khamenei said pressure on the military force was a sign of progress.

"The massive propaganda campaign against the IRGC proved that the organization is now on its right track," he said.