‘Death to America’ refers to United States policies, not people

“The slogan means death to USA policies and arrogance”, he added, one day before the anniversary of Iran’s takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979.

The supreme leader of Iran remarked that the “Death to America” slogan is eternal, though he clarified by saying that he was referring to America’s policies, rather than the people.

Furthermore, Mehdi Azizi, the veteran of Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, told Xinhua that “If they (the Americans) want to pursue bullying policies vis-a-vis Iranians, and if they continue the policy of threats and pressures against us, we will never establish relations with them”. “I’m fairly certain that there are ways to re-engage [Iran]”, he said. Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas, as the saying goes.

On Wednesday, hardline demonstrators marched through Tehran carrying missile-shaped balloons and placards warning against US economic influence, on the anniversary of radical students storming the U.S. Embassy after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

In response to Khamenei’s comments, the audience began chanting the familiar Marg bar Âmrikâ (“Death to America”) slogan.

What about missing former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Robert Levinson, which the Iranian regime has refused to cooperate with any information on his whereabouts – presumed imprisoned as well? Iran also recently announced the arrest of Washington-based Lebanese citizen Nizar Zakka, who holds permanent-resident status in the U.S. “To fight the British, Mossadegh relied on America and this optimism, simplicity and negligence, preparing the ground for the successful American coup”, Khamenei said. Hollywood’s dramatisation of the hostage crisis a few years ago with the film Argo particularly infurated Iranians.

Anti-Americanism plays into that.

The fast food joint, KFC Halal, had only been open for three days, the site said. It’s a bright new morning in Tehran.

“No franchise rights have been granted to any party in Iran”, he said in a statement. He did not elaborate.

In recent weeks, Iran detained two more American citizens on unclear charges. The nuclear deal hasn’t “fundamentally changed anything in the relationship between Iran and the U.S”.

Khamenei earlier endorsed the controversial nuclear deal, which lifts sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbing the country’s nuclear programme. Over the last summer, Iran agreed to dismantle its nuclear programs in a landmark deal with the U.S. and world powers.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has also backed the deal, but has been highly critical of Republican members of Congress who have spoken out against it. “An expanded campaign by hard-liners is aimed at thwarting Rouhani’s administration and stopping his allies from winning the upcoming parliamentary elections”.

“Khamenei has to play a delicate game”, said Mehrzad Boroujerdi, a professor who follows Iranian affairs at Syracuse University.