Iranian Leader Vows Not To Cooperate With U.S. In Syria

Iranian state media quoted a top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying Iran will not cooperate with the United States on the "fight against terrorists in Syria."

"Iran will not cooperate directly or indirectly with the United States," Ali Akbar Velayati said November 4 after a meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Tehran, according to Press TV and IRNA news agency.

"Iran will not accept any initiative regarding Syria without consultation with the country's government and people," Velayati added.

The statements came amid an upsurge in anti-American fervor as demonstrators in Tehran marked the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy 36 years ago.

They suggest that Iran is renewing its hard line in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad despite what was perceived as a softening of that position ahead of peace talks in Vienna last week.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP