Khamenei rejects hand of foreign powers behind post-poll unrest in Iran

Tehran, Aug 28(ANI): In what is being seen as an attempt to reduce enmity with the West ahead of an IAEA report on further measures in respect of the country's nuclear programme, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected the idea that foreign powers were involved in country's post-election violence.

"I do not accuse leaders of the recent events of being stooges of aliens, including the US and Britain since it was not proved for me. We should not proceed in dealing with those behind the protests based on rumours and guesswork," The Times quoted Khamenei, as saying.

Khamenei's remarks are significant as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad holds Britain and the US in particular responsible for the unrest after his disputed election win.

Iran is presently waiting for a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency and a deadline for a six party decision on the next step, which could contain harsh measures to halt Tehran's nuclear programme.

Earlier, Iran's hardliner regime had decided to prosecute 30 people arrested in the turbulent aftermath of the presidential election for offences against the State.

The defendants, who include former ministers in the 1997-2005 Khatami government, are accused of conspiring with foreign powers to organise unrest. (ANI)