Iran's leader says wants friendly relations with United States

DUBAI - Reuters

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei greets clerics during a meeting in Tehran in this December 13, 2009 file photo. REUTERS photo

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran wanted friendly ties with all countries, including the United States, on the day Iran begins a new round of talks with world powers on its disputed nuclear programme.

"We want to have friendly relations with all nations, even the United States," he told an audience of Basij militiamen. "We are not hostile to the American nation. They are like other nations in the world," he said. 
 
"Death to America," the militiamen chanted in response.