TEHRAN -- Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Sunday warned the arrogant powers not to create a new crisis in the Middle East through their unjust demands.

Western countries can never force Iran to give up its nuclear program by issuing resolutions and pressuring the country, Rafsanjani said in a sermon before the congregational prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

“They (Westerners) are creating problems for themselves and the region that will not remain restricted to Iran. This is a fire that could burn many others,” he stated.

The UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Iran’s trade in nuclear materials and technology on December 23.

“They accuse us of seeking to conduct nuclear military activities. We do not accept this accusation and are prepared to prove it wrong through negotiation and inspections based on international regulations,” he said.

“They are looking for a pretext… They should not enter stages which could be dangerous for everyone,” he cautioned. “They had better think and act wisely.”

Iran wants to resolve the issue peacefully and through dialogue, he added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rafsanjani called the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein God’s justice in action.

“The execution of Saddam is a sign of divine justice in history, which God has promised humanity,” he stated.

Saddam attacked Iran in 1980, sparking an eight-year war that left over one million dead.

Rafsanjani also wished all Christians a Happy New Year.