Iran's supreme leader has outlined a new approach to overcomeWestern sanctions — stop selling oil and build knowledge-based industriesinstead.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's says what he calls a "resistant economy" caneffectively counter the sanctions.
This month the European Union enforced a ban on oil imports from Iran, afterthe U.S. stepped up its banking sanctions.
The sanctions aim to force Iran to stop enriching uranium. The West suspectsIran is aiming to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies that.
Khamenei said Iran should stop selling raw materials, including oil, andinstead promote "knowledge-based companies which can make a resistanteconomy more sustainable."
He gave no timetable or details of what would amount to a total overhaul ofIran's economy.
Khamenei's remarks were broadcast on state TV Sunday night.