Ayatollah backs President's term

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last night formally endorsed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President for a new four-year term amid intense political turmoil in the Islamic republic.

Ahmadinejad, 52, is due to be sworn in before Parliament tomorrow night following his June 12 election win, but is under fire from his own hardline camp, which questions his loyalty to Khamenei.

Ahmadinejad - who kissed Khamenei's hand four years ago to show absolute loyalty - had a more tentative exchange this time. He appeared to approach Khamenei to kiss his hand, but the leader stopped him and took a step back.

Khamenei allowed him to kiss his shoulder - not a common gesture in Iran.