From , the AP:  Iran’s top leader warned Arab nations swept up in uprisings against autocratic regimes not to allow the U.S. or NATO to influence the types of post-revolution political systems they form.

"Never trust America, NATO, and the criminal regimes like Britain, France and Italy who for a long time divided and plundered your lands," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told an international Islamic conference in Tehran on Saturday. "Hold suspicion of them and don’t believe their smiles. Behind those smiles and promises lie conspiracy and treason. . . ."

In Iran’s view, the collapse of pro-U.S. governments in Egypt and Tunisia was a strong blow to U.S. influence in the region and a new "Islamic awakening."

Khamenei said the U.S. and NATO will try to dominate the future governments of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and other nations in the Middle East. He urged those nations not to let this happen and to preserve their Islamic traditions.

"Don’t allow your enemies to write the principles of your future government for you. Don’t let Islamic principles be sacrificed for short-term interests," he told his audience.  (photo: Iran/AP)