The Press Association

New EU sanctions on Iran will have no effect on its nuclear activities, the country's president said.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that even though the West imposed new sanctions on Iran, "they know this sort of action will not affect the will and the determination of the Iranian nation".

Mr Ahmadinejad said the EU sanctions "cannot block the progress of Iran".

The European Union listed 20 Iranian companies and 15 individuals on Tuesday who will be affected by the new sanctions imposed over Tehran's nuclear defiance.

The US and its allies accuse Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon programme.

Iran denies the charge.

---