TEHRAN, Oct 5: Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fired off a barrage of criticism at the United States on Saturday over its policies on Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan.

State television said Khamenei blasted Washington’s full support for the Zionist regime, its silence regarding the killings of Palestinians and its pressuring of Islamic countries to recognize Israel.

He also criticised Washington’s arrogant act regarding Al Quds, a reference to US President George W. Bush’s signing of a law on Monday that calls for the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to disputed Al Quds .

Speaking at a gathering of top officials marking a religious holiday, Khamenei was also quoted as blasting American killing of people in Afghanistan and propagation of an attack against Iraq which would create another catastrophe for the Iraqi nation.

Saturday’s national holiday, which celebrated the appointment of holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as prophet by God, was also marked by the mass-wedding of 3,000 young couples.

The festivities, also carried on state television, were funded by the charity foundation of Iran’s late supreme leader and founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.—AFP