FILE- In this April, 9, 2007, file photo Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaks at a ceremony in Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, 300 kms 186 (miles) south of capital Tehran, Iran. Iran's denials that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons carry a distinctly hollow ring among its foes as the U.N. nuclear watchdog piles on worries: Complaining about limits on inspection access and reporting that Tehran is expanding its nuclear fuel labs. But, as Israel increasingly weighs the option of a military strike, Western leaders wary of another Middle East conflict may have to pay closer attention to the claims. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian, File)
Cleric: West 'insane' to deny Iran nuclear rights
Published: 12:17:52 PM, Fri 15 March 2013 UTC
TEHRAN Iran (AP) — A top Iranian cleric says Western countries must be "insane" because they do not recognize Iran's rights to pursue nuclear energy.
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who is head of the hard-line Guardian Council constitutional watchdog group, also said in an address for Friday prayers carried on state radio that Iranians must be patient to endure the Western sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program.
The West says Iran's program is aimed at developing weapons technology. Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes.
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