Rafsanjani Says Iran Will Have Uranium Enrichment "at Any Cost"

Parisa Hafezi, Reuters:

Uranium enrichment is a right that Iran will never give up, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the influential former president who is preparing to run again, said on Friday.

Iran's suspension of uranium enrichment activities, which can produce bomb-grade fuel, will not last long, he said. Iran suspended the activities as a goodwill gesture in the run-up to its talks with European Union nations. ... READ MORE

But Rafsanjani, who is preparing for a June 17 presidential vote, said: "Iran is determined to have all branches of nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment."

"And we will have it at any cost," he told worshippers at Friday prayers in Tehran.

Rafsanjani, head of the Expediency Council policy-making body, said Iran "is strong enough not to let Europeans impose indefinite uranium enrichment suspension." ...

"We have enough patience to continue talks and convince the globe about the peaceful nature of our activities," he said.

"But I tell the Europeans that this kind of attitude, under America's pressure, will not bring about the desired outcome," he added in comments broadcast live on state radio. ...

He urged Iranians to use their votes in the presidential election to prevent the United States from weakening the Islamic state through a low turnout.

"Everybody should vote to defuse America's threats against Iran."

This is the man the Europeans are hoping will be Iran's next President. They are grasping at straws.