Iran's Supreme Leader Says No Change in US Policies

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the new U.S. administration is not showing any sign of changing its policies abroad or correcting what Tehran views as past mistakes.

Official Iranian media (IRNA and Press TV) report that Mr. Khamenei highlighted the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in a meeting with visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul late Tuesday. The supreme leader also pointed to Israel's recent offensive in Gaza as a sign that the U.S. is pursuing old policies.

Mr. Khamenei praised ties between Turkey and Iran, and he said he believes this strengthening relationship will irritate the U.S. and Israel.

Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said his nation would consider mediating talks between Iran and the United States. 

U.S. President Barack Obama has said he is looking for opportunities to engage Iran but that Iran should send positive signals as well.

Turkey's president also met with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Mr. Gul is in Tehran to attend the regional Economic Cooperation Organization summit.