TEHRAN // Iran’s supreme leader said the slogan “Death to America” is not aimed at the American people, but rather American policies.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s website said Tuesday he made the comment while meeting with Iranian students ahead of the anniversary of the takeover of the US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. Militant students stormed the compound and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
The two countries have had no diplomatic relations since then. However, current President Hassan Rouhani has made efforts to improve relations, including a landmark nuclear agreement reached with world powers this past summer.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the “aim of the slogan is not death to American people. The slogan means death to US policies and arrogance.”
He said the slogan has “strong support” in Iran.
* Associated Press
