Khamenei: Ne vidimo promjenu u odnosu SAD-a

Two days after President Obama made his warmest offer yet of a fresh start in U.S. relations with Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has launched a verbal attack on America.

Speaking to thousands of supporters at one of Iran's holiest shrines in the north eastern city of Mashad, he said:

SOUNDBITE: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme Leader saying (Farsi):

"We haven't seen any change, even their literature has not changed. Since the moment the new United States president officially took office and delivered speech, he insulted Iran and Islamic Republic of Iran."

As the crowds chanted, death to America, he sharply criticised how the U.S. had acted towards Iran since its 1979 Islamic revolution.

He said the U.S. was "hated in the world" and that it should stop interferring in other countries.

SOUNDBITE: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme Leader saying (Farsi):

"They say we have handed a hand towards Iran. What kind of hand is this? If the extended hand is covered with a velvet glove but underneath it, the hand is made of cast iron, this does not have a good meaning at all."

Relations between Iran and America have been strained for decades - mainly because of Tehran's controverisal nuclear activities.

During President Bush's administration, Iran was branded part of the "axis of evil."

In his video address to Iran's leaders and people on Thursday, President Obama made it clear he was seeking engagement with Iran.

But Ayatollah Khamenei says words are not enough and demanded concrete policy changes - highlighting U.S. support for Israel and sanctions against Iran.

He said Iran was prepared to change if America altered its position.

Liz Kennedy, Reuters