Iran says US continues animosity despite nuclear deal

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's Supreme Leader says Washington has continued its animosity toward Tehran, despite a friendly message by President Barack Obama marking Persian New Year.

State TV broadcast Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's New Year's speech on Sunday in the northern city of Mashhad. He said of the U.S., "From one hand they send a New Year message and on the other hand they have kept economic sanctions," against Iran. "This is enmity."

Khamenei has final say on all state matters in Iran. He said many international companies continue to avoid working with Iran out fear of the U.S.

Obama on Saturday, in his annual video message marking the Persian New Year, said a landmark nuclear deal Iran reached with world powers last year makes it possible for Iran to rejoin the global economy.