Iranian President Hassan Rohani has opposed a parliamentary vote on a landmark nuclear agreement with world powers.

Under the July 14 deal, U.S., sanctions will be gradually lifted in return for Iran imposing curbs on nuclear activities that the West suspects are aimed at making an atomic bomb.

Rohani said at a news conference on August 29 that the accord was a political understanding reached with world powers, not a new pact that requires parliamentary approval.

The Supreme National Security Council, the country's highest security decision-making body, and a special commission set up by parliament are studying the agreement.

Rohani added that Iran's military capability had not been affected by the deal, saying, "we will do whatever we need to do to defend our country, whether with missiles or other methods."

By Radio Free Europe