Update: Nuclear deal not to open Iran to U.S. influence: Khamenei

The recent nuclear deal with world powers will not pave the way for U.S. influence in Iran, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday, according to official IRNA news agency.

"They thought that this deal, which is not clear to be ratified there (in the United States) or here, will help them find a way for their influence in the country, but we blocked this way and we will block it determinedly," Khamenei was quoted as saying during the eighth General Assembly of Islamic Radio and Television Union, which started Sunday in Tehran.

"We will neither allow U.S. economic and political influence nor cultural, and with our utmost power ... we will counter their influence," he said.

The supreme leader added that Iran will not allow the influence of the United States in the region either.

"The United States intends to maintain its influence in the region to pursue its own objectives," Khamenei said. "We will not allow this."

He said Washington wants the disintegration of Iraq and Syria, but that will never happen.

On July 18, Khamenei said that Iran would remain firm on its foreign policies, including ties with the United States, despite the nuclear deal.

"Iran would not change its policy against the arrogance of the United States," he said, adding that Iran would remain committed to supporting its friends and allies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Bahrain.

Iran and the P5+1 group -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany -- reached a comprehensive deal on Tehran's nuclear program on July 14, resolving the decade-long issue.

After the landmark deal, international sanctions on Tehran are expected to be lifted and foreign investments pour in after years of isolation. Endit