TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Supreme Leader on Saturday said that his country is not seeking nuclear weapons, but that no world power could stop Tehran's access to an atomic bomb if it intended to build one.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters in Iran, also rejected direct talks with the U.S. despite the pressure of sanctions. He said Tehran will hold talks with the U.S. if Washington respects Iran's rights instead of resorting to bullying.

"They want to deny the Iranian nation of its definite and inalienable right to uranium enrichment and peaceful use of nuclear energy. Of course, they won't succeed," Khamenei said in comments posted on his website, khamenei.ir.