Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Obama Slams Ahmadinejad's UN Remarks VOA News 24 September 2010 President Barack Obama attends a ceremony of remembrance at the Pentagon to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, 11 Sep 2010 Photo: AP President Barack Obama attends a ceremony of remembrance at the Pentagon to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, 11 Sep 2010 U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday called Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks "offensive" and "hateful." The Iranian leader said "most people around the world" believe the U.S. government was responsible for the 2001 attacks. He said it was mostly U.S. government officials who believed a terrorist group was behind the attacks in New York and at the Pentagon. Mr. Obama told the BBC Persian that it was especially offensive for Mr. Ahmadinejad to make his remarks in New York, not far from Ground Zero, the site where the World Trade Center had stood. The U.S. and some other Western delegations walked out on Mr. Ahmadinejad Thursday during his speech to the U.N. General Assembly. However, Mr. Ahmadinejad defended his comments during a Friday news conference in New York but added he was "saddened" by the loss of life in the 2001 attacks. Nearly 3,000 people died in the 2001 attacks, believed to have been masterminded by al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Mr. Obama also commented on Iran's nuclear program in the interview. He told the BBC there are a "host of options" available if Iran does not cooperate with nuclear regulators.  He also commented on Iran's apparent repression of opposition activists following last year's disputed presidential election. Mr. Obama said the U.S. has no interest in "meddling in the rights of people to choose their own government." But he said the U.S will speak out "forcefully" when it sees a government abusing and oppressing its own people. Some information for this report was provided by AP. .