Cold Words from Iran
Day 61
March 21, 2009
"They say, 'We have extended a hand toward Iran.' What kind of hand is this? If the extended hand is covered with a velvet glove but underneath it, the hand is made of cast iron, this does not have a good meaning at all."
—Ayatullah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme Leader, responding to President Obama's video message in a speech before a crowd of tens of thousands in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad
The most influential voice in Iran brushes off the President's overtures on Saturday, saying U.S. policy on Tehran under Obama hasn't been any different than under President George W. Bush. Back at home, Obama uses his weekly radio/video address to list his four budget priorities: cutting the deficit, reforming health care, investing in education and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.