Ali Ayatollah Khamenei

In a sermon punctuated by cries of "Death to America!" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei laid down a tough line Friday against any normalizing of ties with the United States, saying such scandalous talk must not be tolerated. But Iran's supreme leader stopped short of criticizing Mohammad Khatami, the country's popular president who last week urged a U.S.-Iranian cultural exchange, professed admiration for American civilization and suggested removing the "wall of mistrust" between the two countries.

In a sermon punctuated by cries of "Death to America!" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei laid down a tough line Friday against any normalizing of ties with the United States, saying such scandalous talk must not be tolerated. But Iran's supreme leader stopped short of criticizing Mohammad Khatami, the country's popular president who last week urged a U.S.-Iranian cultural exchange, professed admiration for American civilization and suggested removing the "wall of mistrust" between the two countries.

Spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed harsh attacks on the U.S., saying it was intent on destabilizing the Islamic republic. His accusation comes days before CNN interviews moderate President Mohammad Khatami in what Tehran is billing as an address to the American people. The cleric's harsh words contrasted sharply with Khatami's unprecedented moves toward reconciliation with the U.S.

Spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed harsh attacks on the U.S., saying it was intent on destabilizing the Islamic republic. His accusation comes days before CNN interviews moderate President Mohammad Khatami in what Tehran is billing as an address to the American people. The cleric's harsh words contrasted sharply with Khatami's unprecedented moves toward reconciliation with the U.S.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assailed the United States and Israel on Tuesday as he opened the largest summit of foreign leaders ever held here, accusing American "arrogance" and the "global Zionist media" of a full-scale assault against Islam.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assailed the United States and Israel on Tuesday as he opened the largest summit of foreign leaders ever held here, accusing American "arrogance" and the "global Zionist media" of a full-scale assault against Islam.