Ahmad Jannati

The head of Iran's powerful Guardian Council says his country will withstand any international sanctions over its nuclear program.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati told state media Friday that Iran is not afraid of such sanctions. He expressed confidence that Iran will achieve what he called "its rights."

Britain, France and Germany have been pressing Iran to abandon its nuclear enrichment activities. The United States says the Iranian program is intended to develop a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran denies.

Last month, the Bush administration and the Europeans backed an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution that says Iran could be referred to the United Nations Security Council if it fails to cooperate fully with IAEA inspectors. Such a referral could open the way for international sanctions against Tehran.