makes no difference whether this is launching a communications satellite into space or progress in the field of nano- or biotechnology,” the Iranian president said in an interview with the Chinese Phoenix Television channel on Friday.

“The main issue is that they (Westerners) want to hold Iran and all the independent nations back so that they may need and remain dependent on arrogant powers.”

The Iranian president added that the “political approach” of Western powers to the Islamic Republic is the main obstacle to the resolution of the standoff over Iran's nuclear energy program.

Ahmadinejad stated, however, that Iran would continue to offer “constructive suggestions” and engage in negotiations in an effort to prove its “nuclear rights.”

The West, led by the United States, has imposed sanctions against Iran, accusing Tehran of pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran has repeatedly dismissed the Western allegations, arguing that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has every right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The IAEA has conducted numerous inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, but has never found any evidence indicating that Tehran's nuclear energy program has been diverted towards nuclear weapons production.