The Iranian President, Mohammed Khatami, has sharply criticised the United States, accusing it of arrogance.

He said American politicians behaved like the masters of the world and their policies had harmed Iran.

President Khatami accused American leaders of imposing sanctions on Iran and other countries because they did not conform to Washington's interests.

His speech made at the shrine of the late Iranian spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, was relayed live on Iranian television.

Correspondents say the President's tone was in marked contrast to his comments earlier this month when he called for dialogue and understanding between the American and Iranian peoples.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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