Kerry says Iran vow to defy U.S. is 'very disturbing'
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said a speech by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday vowing to defy American policies in the region despite a deal with world powers over Tehran's nuclear program was "very disturbing".
"I don't know how to interpret it at this point in time, except to take it at face value, that that's his policy," he said in the interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, parts of which the network quoted on Tuesday.
Check out pictures of Iranians reacting to the nuclear deal:
"But I do know that often comments are made publicly and things can evolve that are different. If it is the policy, it's very disturbing, it's very troubling," he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei told supporters on Saturday that U.S. policies in the region were "180 degrees" opposed to Iran's, at a speech in a Tehran mosque punctuated by chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".
"Even after this deal our policy toward the arrogant U.S. will not change," Khamenei said.
Related video: Jerry Seib: Was Iran Deal the Best Option for U.S.?
Several Gulf Arab states have long accused Tehran of interference, alleging financial or armed support for political movements in countries including Bahrain, Yemen and Lebanon.
Kerry said the U.S. believed its Arab allies had the ability to confront Iranian interference in the region.
"I think President Obama's belief and our military assessments, our intelligence assessments, are that if they organize themselves correctly, all of the Arab states have an untapped potential that is very, very significant to be able to push back against any of these activities," he said.

Comments
It amazes me that the libs want to arm our enemies and disarm law abiding American citizens! Liberalism truly is a mental disorder!
Flag ShareThis is not a surprise to me at all! They are crying "death to America" and we give them the ability to make it happen? Scares the crap out of me!!!
Flag Share"I don't know how to interpret it at this point in time,"
Flag ShareWell, I can believe he said that.. Those doofus leaders of ours are clueless as to what is actually going on over there.. You can't deal with these people, all they know and respect is a beat down.
What is disturbing is the fact that this administration actually "negotiated" with this country and believed they would live up to a deal. This means that Obama and Kerry are absolutely the most naive people on the face of the earth or they are totally incompetent. I vote for the later.
Flag Share"Kerry says Iran vow to defy U.S. is 'very disturbing" Fricken Moron's
Flag ShareNow that Iran has their $150 Billion they are showing their true colors. We all told you so why are DemocRAT's so stupid? They are going to get us all killed. Never elect another Communist DemocRAT ever again our Military and your family life depends on it.
Yeah & this iffin idiot made a deal with them. Who is more of a loser him or o'bummer? They're both worthless pieces if garbage. PERIOD
Flag ShareOh, Really??? It's "very disturbing" and you'll "push back hard"???
Flag ShareWe find YOU disturbing, Kerry and Obama. We'll be pushing back hard in 2016.
once again obama and kerry prove that they are nothing but incompetent boobs. they are a disgrace to our once great nation .
Flag ShareWhy do our liberal leaders ignore comments made by Iran that they will violated this agreement? They violated all past agreements as well. So why even make agreements with them when we already know they will not live by them. LEGACY, LEGACY!
Flag ShareObama, Kerry, Hillary Clinton ............. sure have to wonder about our leadership?
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