Iranian ayatollah sceptical of Obama

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not responded well to US President Barack Obama's message of reconciliation.

In a televised speech, the ayatollah dismissed the president’s offer of better ties, saying he was sceptical about a change in US policy.

He said Washington had done everything to undermine the Islamic republic since Islamists ousted the US-backed Shah in 1979.

In his speech he insisted that President Obama's words would have to be followed by deeds to receive Iran’s support.

He said: "If you change your attitude, we will change our attitude".

On Friday, President Obama released a video message, timed to coincide with the Iranian New Year, calling for a new beginning between the two political enemies.

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