Iran's supreme leader says hatred for U.S. runs deep
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s supreme leader said Wednesday that his country’s hatred for the United States runs deep and that differences between the two nations go beyond a "few political issues." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments on state-run television were seen as a signal that a thaw in U.S.-Iran relations is unlikely no matter who wins the U.S. presidential election.
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"The hatred of the Iranian nation is deep-seated. The reason is the various conspiracies by the U.S. government against the Iranian people and government in the past 50 years," Khamenei said.
He was addressing a group of students in Tehran days ahead of the anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by militant students in 1979.
Iran blames the CIA for helping topple the elected government of Mohammad Mosaddeq in the 1950s and blames the U.S. for openly supporting the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi against the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Iranians also condemn Washington for arming and supporting former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.
"This dispute [with America] goes further than differences of opinion over a few political issues," the leader said.
Iranian political analyst Saeed Leilaz said Khamenei’s address sent a clear message that he will have to approve any efforts for reconciliation with U.S.
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