KHAMENEI CRITICIZES U.S. POLICIES TOWARD TEHRAN

Reuters, 19 Jun 2017-  Ali Khamenei lashed out on Sunday at U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and what he characterized as its hostility to the Islamic Republic.

'This inexperienced group has not recognized the people and leaders of Iran,' he said, according to the website for state TV. 'When they get hit in the mouth, at that time they'll know what's going on.'

Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials have ramped up their criticism of the United States in recent weeks after Trump went on an official visit last month to Saudi Arabia, Iran's main regional rival.

During that visit, Trump singled out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups. He has also criticized the nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers, including the United States, that led to the lifting of most sanctions against Iran, in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Trump has said Washington would review the deal but stopped short of pledging to scrap it.

Khamenei said in his speech on Sunday that any efforts to destabilize the Islamic Republic would not succeed.

'In the past 38 years, when has there been a time when you haven't wanted to change the Islamic system?' Khamenei said, according to Fars News. 'Your head has hit the rock each time and always will.'