Khamenei: 'Death To America' Refers To U.S. Policies

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the slogan "Death to America" is not aimed at the American people, but rather U.S. "policies and arrogance."

In comments reported on his official website on November 3, Khamenei also reiterated that the United States "will not hesitate" if given a chance to destroy Iran.

Iran will commemorate on November 4 the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by radical Islamic students that led to a break in bilateral diplomatic relations.

On November 2, a large majority of Iranian legislators said in a statement that the Islamic republic was "not at all prepared" to abandon the slogan of "Death to America," despite a landmark nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers.

Under the July nuclear accord, sanctions against Iran will be gradually lifted in return for Tehran imposing curbs on nuclear activities.

Based on reporting by AP