Iranian officials have said that western pressure to enact strict sanctions on Iran for its controversial nuclear program is tantamount to a psychological war.

According to the Tehran Times reports, Hassan Rohani, director of the strategic research center at the Expediency Council, said he thought it was unlikely sanctions on Iran would pass through the U. N. Security Council.

He further said," Despite Americans' claims, I see it a remote possibility that the Security Council approves a resolution against Iran."

Mounting pressure is being faced by Iran due to its controversial nuclear program. The country moved recently to enrich uranium to 20 percent, which is seen as a technological milestone on the way to a nuclear weapon.

It was also announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency this week that it could not verify the peaceful intent of Iran's enrichment activity. However Iran maintains that it needs enriched uranium for medical isotopes and energy.

Rohani further stressed," The Islamic Republic of Iran aims to safeguard its nuclear achievements and the system will not retreat."

Plans to launch construction on new enrichment facilities starting at the beginning of the Iranian new year in March were announced in February by Nuclear officials in Iran. (With inputs from Agencies)