New UN Iran Sanctions 'Fit for Dustbin': Ahmadinejad

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed the new UN sanctions over Iran's nuclear program as a "used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin.

"I gave one of the [world powers] a message that the resolutions you issue are like a used handkerchief which should be thrown in the dustbin. They are not capable of hurting Iranians," he was quoted by Irna agency as saying.

Earlier, the UN Security Council voted in favour of a fourth round of coercive measures on Tehran for failing to halt its nuclear enrichment programme. They include tighter finance curbs and an expanded arms embargo, but not the crippling sanctions the US had wanted.

Brazil and Turkey voted against the sanctions, while Lebanon abstained. They argued that the sanctions were counter-productive and endangered a diplomatic solution.

The most significant parts of the resolution create a legal basis to restrict the supply of goods that Iran wants for its nuclear missile programmes. According to BBC News, the resolution singles out the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, who run much of the economy - including the national shipping line which Western diplomats say is trying to evade sanctions by setting up front companies.

The sanctions also prohibit Iran from buying heavy weapons such as attack helicopters and missiles. They toughen rules on financial transactions with Iranian banks, and increase the number of Iranian individuals and companies that are targeted by asset freezes and travel bans.

But the sanctions were passed after being watered down during negotiations with Russia and China on Tuesday. In the end there were no crippling economic sanctions and no oil embargo.