TEHRAN:Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has urged parliament to stand with him against “evil ones” who he says have encircled the nation.

The president’s Sunday address to the opening session of the newly-elected parliament is seen as an appeal to conservative opponents who crushed Ahmadinejad’s allies in voting that ended earlier this month.

Iran is under pressure from Western countries who accuse it of trying to developing nuclear weapons technology. Iran denies the charge.

Ahmadinejad and the conservatives share similar views on foreign policy, but disagree on economic issues. The president lost their support when he was perceived to challenge the supremacy of top clerics last year.

Ahmadinejad also asked legislators not to intervene in his areas of authority.