Iran plays down EU sanctions

Iran said yesterday that additional sanctions by the European Union will not affect Teheran, while President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proposed the formation of a special court to punish the world "tyrants" for their attempt to thwart Iran's nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying to a group of judges that "a court should be formed to try and punish all world criminals who invade the rights of the Iranian nation," according to the state IRNA news agency.

Known for his anti-Western rhetoric, Ahmadinejad also denounced the West for "issuing a verdict" in the absence of Iran.