DUBAI: US policy is preventing big companies from doing business with Iran, while US presidential candidates are trying to outdo each other in their hostility to the Islamic Republic, the country's top leader said on Sunday.

Iran still faces difficulties in working with foreign banks and the international financial system due to US policies, even after nuclear-related sanctions were lifted, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised address marking the Iranian new year.

“The candidates for the American presidency have competed to vilify Iran in their speeches, and this is a sign of hostility,” he added.

“In Western countries and places which are under US influence, our banking transactions and the repatriation of our funds from their banks face problems ... because (banks) fear the Americans,” said Khamenei.

“The Americans have not acted on their promises and (only) removed the sanctions on paper,” he added.