Iran's president criticises Trump and Clinton's behaviour

Iran's president has criticised the US presidential candidates' behaviour during debates.

Speaking to a crowd during a visit to the central Iranian city of Arak, President Hassan Rouhani said: "Did you see the debate and the way of their speaking, accusing and mocking each other? Do we want such a democracy and election in our country?

"You see the United States that claims it has had democracy for more than 200 years. Look at the country, what the situation is where morality has no place."

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump's three televised debates have been characterised by increasing animosity towards each other.

In comments broadcast live on state television, Mr Rouhani said that during his September visit to the UN General Assembly, he was asked which of the candidates he preferred.

"I said, what? Should I prefer bad to worse or worse to bad?" he said.

Iran is holding presidential elections in May 2017 and Mr Rouhani is eligible to seek a second term.

Despite a landmark nuclear deal with the United States and world powers that went into effect in January, Tehran and Washington have not restored diplomatic ties that were cut after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and US Embassy takeover.

The deal capped Iran's disputed nuclear activities in return for lifting international nuclear-related sanctions.