Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (file photo) (Fars)
September 18, 2006 -- Iran's supreme leader today said that Pope Benedict XVI's recent remarks about Islam were regrettable, describing them as the "the latest link" in the United States' "crusade against Islam."
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the pope's comments helped the policies of those world rulers who aim to create tensions between Muslims and Christians.
He said he believes the pope was deceived and was not aware that his comments were in line with U.S. policies.
(ISNA, ILNA)