Obama calls ‘hateful’ Iranian leader’s suggestion of U.S.-Zionist plot behind 9-11

Obama: Ahmadinejad 9-11 comments ‘offensive’

NEW YORK — President Barack Obama says it was offensive and “hateful” for Iran’s leader to rehash conspiracy theories about 9-11 in his U.N. speech.

The president was commenting in an interview with BBC Persian Television. His remarks were relayed by the White House.

In his speech, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (ah-muh-DEE’-neh-zhahd) suggested it’s worth investigating allegations that “some segments within the U.S. government” orchestrated the attacks in a bid to aid Israel. His remarks prompted a walkout by the U.S. delegation and others.

According to the White House, Obama told the BBC, “”For him to make a statement like that was inexcusable.”