Iranian spokesperson: Obama remarks on Iran 'unrealistic'

Iran has dismissed as "unrealistic and unconstructive" recent remarks by U.S. President Barack Obama about Tehran and the region, Press TV reported on Thursday. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham was quoted by Press TV as saying on Wednesday that Obama's comments on Iran's nuclear activities show his incorrect understanding of Tehran's commitment to the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Afkham was responding to Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday that said "it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the progress of Iran's nuclear program -- and rolled back parts of that program." The U.S. "illusion" about the effects of its anti-Iran sanctions on Iran's engagement in nuclear talks is based on a false understanding of Tehran's commitment to dispelling any doubts about the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities, Afkham said. Highlighting the effects of anti-Iran sanctions was the result of a "totally incorrect interpretation of Iran's willingness to create a new opportunity for Western countries to forge a different kind of relationship with Iranian people and try to win the confidence of this great nation," Afkham was quoted as saying. Afkham also criticized Washington for labeling Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah as a terrorist group while turning a blind eye to crimes committed by foreign-backed Takfiri militants in the region.