Iran Supreme Leader To U.S. Critics: 'The Hell With You'

05:55

June 14, 2013

In this photo released by the Iranian supreme leader's office, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts his ballot in the presidential election without publicly endorsing a candidate, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 14, 2013. (www.leader.ir)

Casting his ballot in his country's presidential election today, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commented on reports that the U.S. would not accept the results of today's voting, saying "the hell with you."

The U.S. State Department does not think the Iranian election process, in which candidates are winnowed down by an unelected ruling elite, is transparent.

Many Iranians are staying away from the polls today, after allegations of vote rigging in the 2009 election lead to widespread protests and a violent crackdown by government forces.

Reports by NPR's Steve Inskeep:

As Sanctions Squeeze, Iranians Keep Improvising
Iran's Election May Not Really Be About Picking A President

Guest:

Steve Inskeep, host of NPR's Morning Edition, reporting from Tehran. He tweets @NPRInskeep.

This segment aired on June 14, 2013.