Iran criticizes US presence in the Persian Gulf

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's Supreme Leader has criticized the U.S. Presence in the Persian Gulf region, saying American forces should go back to the Bay of Pigs.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's website quoted him as telling a group of teachers Sunday that American military drills in the region were proof of U.S. arrogance.

"You come from another side of the world to hold drills here," he said. "Go back to Bay of Pigs, what are you doing here?"

Khamenei's remarks apparently were a reference to the 1961 failed invasion of Cuba by 1,500 CIA-trained exiles. Muslims also view pigs as unclean animals as the Quran prohibits followers of Islam from eating pork.

Khamenei has the final say on all state matters in Iran.