Iran’s leader blames U.S., Israel for anti-Islam movie

(Xinhua) -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the United States and Israel on the production of an anti-Islam movie that insults Muslim's Prophet Mohammed.

In a message issued on Thursday, Khamenei said that "behind this evil move lie the antagonistic policies of the Zionists and the U.S. and other heads of the global arrogance," Press TV reported.

"The prime suspects in this crime are Zionism and the U.S. government. If the U.S. politicians are honest in their claim of not being involved (in the production of this film), (they) must bring the perpetrators of this hideous crime and their financial backers, who have wrenched the hearts of Muslim nations, to face a punishment proportionate to this great crime," Khamenei was quoted as saying.

Hundreds of Iranians have protested on Thursday against the movie. The protesters, carrying placards against the film and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans, gathered in front of the Swiss embassy in Tehran which represents the U.S. interests in Iran.

The production of the film has ignited violent protests in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia and Iran.