Ahmadinejad made the remark in a meeting with ulema and theology students of East Azarbaijan province. The president, accompanied by his cabinet members, arrived in the northwestern city Tabriz on Wednesday on his 48th provincial tour.



"If all arrogant powers unite, they have no capability and opportunity to counter the Iranian nation," he said.



"The US economy was on the verge of collapse before waging war on Iraq (in 2003). The US killed thousands of innocent people under different pretexts including the 9/11 terrorist operation.



"But an economy based on cruelty cannot exist very long," said the president.



He added that efforts by big powers to isolate Iran have been failed, saying, "Today, they confirm that Iran is a big power." The president's visit is taking place on the second round of his tours to different provinces to follow up implementation of the projects approved during the first round of his visit.



He took the initiative of visiting various provinces since he took office in 2005 in order to bring closer the government to ordinary people.

Tehran, Dec 4, IRNA