Khamenei: Islamic awareness rising

TEHRAN, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The situations in Egypt and Tunisia show Islamic awareness that will lead to "irreparable defeat" for the United States, Iran's Ayatollah Ali said.

The unrest in the two countries is reminiscent of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, the supreme leader said.

"If they [protesters] are able to push this through, then what will happen to the U.S. policies in the region will be an irreparable defeat for America," IRNA quoted Khamenei as telling worshipers in Tehran Friday.

"Today's events in North of Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and certain other countries have another sense for the Iranian nation. They have special meaning. This is the same as 'Islamic awakening,' which is the result of the victory of the big revolution of the Iranian nation," he said in the Iranian news agency report.

"Iran supports the rightful demands of the Egyptian people and emphasizes they should be met. Iran also warns that any opposition to the movement of the Egyptian people will bring about the anger and hatred of all Muslims around the world."

A statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry called for international condemnation of what it described as Israeli and American efforts to interfere and divert Egypt's "justice-seeking movement, by creating counter-revolt and using rioters."