Khamenei said today the country will pursue its ambitions and reject any UN measures aimed at stopping them.
Khamenei made the comments as the five permanent members of the Security Council continued to debate what action to take. Russia and China are reported to have been resisting Western attempts to draw up a sharply worded statement demanding Tehran give up uranium enrichment.
The United States accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge denied by Tehran.
The Big Five members of the Security Council have been debating since last week what action the council should take after the UN nuclear watchdog reported Iran to the body.
U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns said more time is needed for negotiations.
(AP, Reuters)