Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a bitter attack on the United States, saying Washington was intent on securing what he called the total domination of Iran In a speech marking national day, Ayatollah Khamenei said America remains opposed to the principle of Islamic government, and will not be happy with anything less than full control of Iran's political and economic resources.

Correspondents say Ayatollah Khamenei's speech is in contrast to recent comments by President Mohammad Khatami, who has suggested forging closer links with the United States.