TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution said on Monday that it is “wrong” to place hope on the United States and other Western countries in the war against terrorist groups such as Daesh and Boko Haram.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari whose country is in a fierce battle against Boko Haram terrorists who have wreaked havoc on Nigeria.

“According to precise information, the U.S. and some reactionary countries in the region [the Middle East] directly support Daesh and play destructive role in Iraq,” he said.

The Leader went on to say that international coalitions which claim fight against terrorist groups cannot be trusted.

“International coalitions claiming fight against terrorist movements are not reliable by any means, because these ‘destructive elements’, especially the U.S., are behind the scenes for forming or supporting terrorists such as Daesh,” the Leader noted.

The Leader also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation among Islamic counties to defend identity of Islam and Muslims.

He also urged Islamic countries to establish closer relations.

Elsewhere, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran and Nigeria enjoy specific potentials to strengthen ties, calling for tapping these capacities .

For his part, The Nigerian president called for expansion of ties.

‘Reliance on people is the path to progress by independent nations’

In a separate meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Supreme Leader said in the “war of wills” the only ways to the progress of independent nations is “resistance” and “reliance on the public”.

The Leader also pointed to the United States’ covetous eye on Latin America and said Washington “looked to the region as its backyard” but Venezuela succeeded to give a new identity to the region by standing against the United States.

He said the U.S. pressure on Caracas is intended to weaken the “inspiring” will of the Venezuelans on Latin American nations.

Ayatollah Khamenei told the Venezuelan president: “In today’s world the wars are the ‘war of wills’ and through resistance and the strengthening of wills and utilization of your country’s abundant potentials you will overcome problems.”

Citing an example, the Leader said Imam Khomeini succeeded to overthrow the Phalavi regime which enjoyed the backing of the United States and Western European countries through reliance on the Iranian people.

The path to progress by independent nations is to employ of the policy of Imam Khomeini, the Leader noted.

For his part, the Venezuelan president expressed happiness over his meeting with the Leader for a second time and said, “Iran and Venezuela are real friends and enjoy stable ties.”

Maduro also said his predecessor Hugo Chavez was greatly interested in Iran and the leader of the Islamic Revolution. “I have also learnt a great lesson from meeting with you and your statements and recommendation have had a great effect on me.”

NA/PA