TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, a candidate in next month’s presidential elections, says he will pursue a policy of resistance against the West if elected.

Addressing a campaign rally in Tehran Friday, Saeed Jalili said his priority in foreign policy will be to expand Islam’s influence in the world and counter “arrogance,” a reference to the US.

He said compromise brings misery and devastation. His campaign slogan is “resistance and progress.”

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Jalili is considered one of the most hard-line of the eight candidates approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s election overseers, to run in the June 14 race.

He is loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is believed to draw much of his support from the Basij, the paramilitary branch of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press