Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani has stressed that the Islamic Republic will not relinquish its right to uranium enrichment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Addredsing the UNSC meeting, Iravani responded to the US representative who said that Iran cannot conduct uranium enrichment on its soil.

"With regard to the representative of the United States, we appreciate any fair and meaningful negotiations. However, insisting on a so-called zero-enrichment policy is entirely inconsistent with the rights to which Iran is entitled as a Member of the NPT," Iravani said.

"This approach demonstrates that they are not pursuing fair negotiations, but rather seeking to impose their predetermined intentions on Iran," he added.

The Iranain diplomat stressed that Tehran will not bow to pressure or intimidation, nor will it allow itself to be blackmailed in the international arena.

Iran has repeatedly said that it is not seeking nuclear weapons, stressing that its nuclear technology is solely for civil purposes. Also, there is a Fatwa by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution which bans any possession and use of weapons of mass destruction.