Cleric underlines defensive capabilities

TEHRAN, Apr. 02 (MNA) – The interim leader of Tehran Friday Prayers rejected the idea of Iran being under the influence of other countries. "The enemies of Iran intend to press the nation with economic sanctions," said Ayatollah Kazem Seddighi in this week's Friday Prayers in Tehran. The Grand Ayatollah, referring to the motto chosen by Iran's Leader for the new Iranian colander year, 'Resistance Economy; Action and Implementation', praised the motto and the wisdom of Ayatollah Khamenei in detecting the problems of the country in face of the enemies. The cleric also touched upon cultural issues of the country especially in universities and schools and expressed hope that the authorities would be more concerned over such issues. "It is distilled by the 'Great Satan' (the US) that we are on the fork to choose between either surrendering or being sanctioned," clarified the interim leader of Tehran Friday Prayers. In addition to stressing on the necessity of implementing Resistance Economy, Ayatollah Seddighi commented on the 37th anniversary of Iranian National Day of Islamic Republic on Farvardin 12th coincident with March 31 this year.