Iran's supreme leader warns presidential candidates against appeasing West

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's top leader is urging presidential candidates not to make concessions to the West.

The Tuesday remarks by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei follow statements by several of the eight candidates running in June 14 elections that they would focus on improving Iran's relations with other countries.

"Some, following this incorrect analysis — that that we should make concession to the enemies to reduce their anger — have put their interests before the interests of the Iranian nation. This is wrong," said Khamenei during a televised speech marking the anniversary of the June 3, 1989 death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic.

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, said candidates "must promise" to put Iranian interests before foreign interests.