Iranian leader says power to the President

Tehran - Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Saturday he was ready to intervene in the political affairs of the country, if the interests of the nation have been "neglected," continues a rare public bending of his days in power after a disagreement with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has degenerated into open air.

In a speech to supporters in the Province of Fars, which was broadcast live on State television, he praised administration of Mr. Ahmadinejad. But he said that religious leaders remains the ultimate authority. "Then the leadership is alive, he will never deviation in the movement of the Iranian nation, towards its objectives," said.

The statement came after a week of public tension between the President and Mr. Khamenei on what was seen as an effort by Mr. Ahmadinejad to extend the control of the Ministry of politically sensitive information.

On Wednesday, Mr. Khamenei refused to accept the resignation of intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi, a hard-line cleric, proclaiming its informal support to Mr. Moslehi through press agencies. IRNA, the Iranian State News Agency, reported the resignation of the Minister last Sunday.

According to the national reports news, Iranian Parliament on Wednesday approved by Mr. Moslehi as Minister, effectively seconding authority of the Supreme Guide.

There was speculation that he resigned Mr. after the efforts to block his dismissal of a senior intelligence official taken in charge by Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, former Chief of Office of Mr. Ahmadinejad. Mr. Rahim-Mashaei is known to have a significant influence with the President but is unpopular among the old right.

Public statement of Mr. Khamenei argued his authority was rare for a leader who has long projected the image of an impartial arbitrator - an image, it seemed to sacrifice in the 2009 presidential election, when it comes out for the re-election of Mr. Ahmadinejad.

Yet, since the election of the relationship between the two men has been strained by several attempts to test the limits of presidential power.

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