TEHRAN, Feb. 26--Government Spokesman Gholamhossein Elham said Iran does not pose a threat to other nations and is not facing a military threat.
In his weekly press conference on Monday, Elham, who was recently appointed as justice minister, told reporters that Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has given a clear response to the enemy’s psychological war.
He made the remarks when questioned over recent statements of a deputy foreign minister about Iran preparing for a war.
Commenting on Iran’s nuclear activities, Elham said the suspension of uranium enrichment contradicts the national will, since the country’s nuclear activities are being conducted within the framework of international law and under strict IAEA supervision.
Asked about the price of gasoline in the next Iranian year (to start March 21), the official said the government is strictly opposed to increasing the gasoline price which, according to the Majlis Joint Commission’s proposal, should be set at 1,500 rials per liter.
Gasoline is presently distributed at 800 rials per liter.
“We believe that increasing the gasoline price is to the disadvantage of the nation. The government insists on regulating gasoline consumption and producing dual-fuel vehicles,“ he said.
Elham noted that the budget for the next year has been devised to prevent inflationary pressures on the low-income strata.
The inflation rate since the beginning of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s tenure has been 12.1 and 11.1 percent in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Asked about any difference of opinion among officials on the nuclear program, he said Ayatollah Khamenei sets the main policies of the state while the Supreme National Security Council discusses them and issues ratifications that are confirmed by the leader.
“Officials are united with the nation and working under the framework of laws. There is no schism among Iranian officials,“ Elham said.