The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Tehran

Iran's top leader strongly backed the nation's embattled president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, praising him for "standing up" to the West and urging him to plan for a second four-year term, state media reported Sunday. The comments by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei represent unusually glowing praise of the president, who upon his election in 2005 sparked a confrontation with the West by resuming uranium enrichment and vociferously denouncing Israel. It is the first time that Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters in Iran, has expressed such strong support for any other Iranian politician. "Do not think that this year is your final year. No. Work as if you will stay in charge for five years. In another words, imagine that in addition to this year, another four years will be under your management, and plan and act accordingly," IRNA quoted Khamenei as saying Sunday.

Ahmadinejad is facing a firestorm of criticism at home, particularly over his handling of the economy. He won office on a campaign promise to distribute Iran's oil wealth to each family. But Iran increasingly faces skyrocketing food and fuel prices, unemployment and inflation.

The current government has helped "revive" the values of the 1979 Islamic revolution that transformed Iran into a strict theocracy, state TV quoted Khamenei as saying during a meeting with Ahmadinejad and his Cabinet Saturday.

"Some bullying and brazen countries and their worthless followers wanted to impose their will on the Iranian nation, but t the president and the government have stood up to their excessive demands and moved forward," he said.