VIENNA (AP) -- The head of Iran's nuclear agency says the deal his country struck with six world powers over its nuclear program showed Iran's resistance to pressure and threats.

Ali Akbar Salehi also says the agreement is a move to end a "contrived and unnecessary crisis." - an indirect criticism of at least some of the group, which comprises the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

Salehi spoke Monday at the opening session of the IAEA's 165-country annual General Assembly. He said the deal shows the failure of sanctions and "military threats."

Sanctions were imposed over Iran's refusal to curb nuclear activities amid U.S. and Israeli warnings of possible military action. The deal will lift sanctions if Iran reduces the scope of its program.

By AP