Kerry: ayatollah's anti-US remarks 'disturbing'

Speaking with the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television station on Tuesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said: "I don't know how to interpret it at this point in time, except to take it at face value, that that's his policy."

"But I do know that often comments are made publicly and things can evolve that are different. If it is the policy, it's very disturbing, it's very troubling," he continued.

In the speech, Ayatollah Khamenei maintained a hard line against the United States, saying that American policies in the Middle East were "180 degrees" opposed to Iran's, and added: "Even after this deal, our policy towards the arrogant US will not change."

Khamenei gave the speech less than a week after Iran and Western powers announced a major accord over Iran's contested nuclear program. His speech was accompanied by the crowd chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

Anti-West, but pro-business

Despite this posturing against the United States, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told the press on Tuesday that he would visit Iran next week, shortly after the conclusion of a visit by German Economic Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

Fabius's aides told AFP the trip would likely take place next Wednesday.

"I find it completely normal that after this historic deal was signed, France and Iran should restart normal relations," Fabius said. "We used to have a significant presence that was completely satisfactory for the Iranians...and in diplomatic life, like in life in general, you never lose anything by being respected."

He is scheduled to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during his visit.

The UN Security Council voted to lift Iran sanctions on Monday, almost a week after the parties signed the agreement.

mes/kms (Reuters, AFP)