PESHAWAR, Feb 13: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Consul-General in Peshawar Mohammad Eghbal Ali Asghari has said the Islamic Revolution has given a new impetus to all dimensions of cultural, social, economic and political life in Iran and it is based on justice and common values of humanity, truth and love.

Speaking at a reception organised in connection with the 28th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran at a local hotel, he said Iran had always extended hand of friendship to all countries and mutual respect and non-interference in other counties’ affairs had been the principle of its foreign policy.

About Iran’s nuclear programme, Mr Asghari maintained that Iran had never violated the IAEA guidelines and its nuclear programme was peaceful and it did not pose threat to any country. He said reports of IAEA inspectors were testimony to Iran’s peaceful enrichment programme.

The diplomat said Iran would not bow to the pressure of the US and other western countries and would continue its enrichment programme. He claimed that 118 countries in Cuba had endorsed the right of Iran to have nuclear technology for energy purposes.

He said Iran had been facing international sanctions for 27 years and it had been relying on its potentials, saying his country had made great achievements in science, technology, economic and industrial sectors.

Mr Asghari observed that regional cooperation was vital for peace, stability, security and economic progress and the presence of foreign forces in the region was detrimental to interests of the region. He believed that security of the region could best be ensured by regional countries.—APP