Iran's leader ridicules 'Zionist clown' Netanyahu, and 'deceitful' Republicans

Iran's supreme leader said Thursday that a letter from Republican senators warning that any nuclear deal could be scrapped by the next US president is a sign of "disintegration" in Washington.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the letter a sign of "the collapse of political ethics and the US system's internal disintegration," according to the official IRNA news agency. It was the first reaction to the letter by Khamenei, who has the final say over all major policies.  

Khamenei said states typically remain loyal to their commitments even if governments change, " but American senators officially announced the commitment will be null and void after this government leaves office. Isn't this the ultimate degree of the collapse of political ethics and the US system's internal disintegration?" 

Khamenei said that whenever the talks approach a deadline, "the tone of the other party, particularly the Americans, becomes harsher, harder and more violent. This is part of their tricks and deceit."   

However, he said, "Iranian officials know what they are doing."  

Khamenei has generally supported the talks, but he frequently expresses doubt over the true intentions of the US and other Western governments.  

The supreme leader said a "Zionist clown" had delivered a speech in Washington, an apparent reference to Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress earlier this month, which was full of anti Iran rehtroric.  

The US  and five world powers are negotiating with Iran to try and reach a framework agreement this month and a final accord in July which would curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.  

Western countries say that Iran is covertly pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. Iran insists its programme is entirely devoted to civilian applications.