TEHRAN – The Westerners “disgraced” the United Nations by adopting a resolution demanding Iran halt its nuclear activities, Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said in Mashhad on Sunday.

“The Westerners showed that they cannot hide their ill will and they disgraced both themselves and the United Nations by this which had no logical reason,” Rafsanjani said in an address to the officials and clerics of the Khorasan Razavi.

The Security Council passed a resolution on July 31 ordering Iran to halt its nuclear enrichment activities by August 31 or face possible sanctions.

Rafsanjani called the resolution a “cruel” act against Iran, adding that the main front for the Islamic community to confront the West is Iran’s nuclear issue.

“The other front is Lebanon. The war in Lebanon can be the beginning of a long lasting plan for the whole Middle East,” he observed.

He attacked the countries which claim to be upholders of democracy and human rights but refrain from making efforts to bring an end to the war.

Rafsanjani also called on the people to maintain their unity to frustrate the plots of the enemies.

U.S. seeks to distance Iran from its neighbors

The West, led by the United States, intends to create a wedge between Iran and its neighboring Islamic countries, Rafsanjani said on Sunday.

"The U.S. opposes the Islamic Republic of Iran. Currently, it is working to cause discord and create a pessimistic view of our system in international circles," IRNA quoted the EC chairman as sying.

"We have an Islamic mission. Our message is Islam. The Islamic Revolution came as a clear message of the Holy Quran for the world."