Iran's top leader: US not good Mideast mediator

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's top leader has lashed out at the Unites States, saying America is not a good mediator in Mideast peace talks because it allegedly sides with Israel.

The comments come ahead of the second round of U.S.-brokered Mideast peace talks next week. The talks resumed after a five-year freeze.

Iran does not recognize Israel and has considered the Jewish state its archenemy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the U.S.-hosted talks will "definitely damage" the Palestinian side.

He says the "U.S. is not a real mediator, it stands by the Zionists."

Khamenei has final say on all state matters. He spoke during a prayer ceremony on Friday marking the start in Iran of the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.