Iran's supreme leader insists missile attack on Israel was 'completely legal and legitimate'

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the country's recent missile strike on Israel and said it was ready to do it again if necessary, the country's state TV reported on Friday.

He also said the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 last year was a "legitimate act".

“The brilliant action of our armed forces a couple of nights ago was completely legal and legitimate,” he said adding that Iran would not “procrastinate or rush to carry out its duty” in confronting Israel.

Khamenei made the remarks as he delivered Friday prayers in Tehran’s Grand Mosalla mosque, the first time he has done so in about five years.

Addressing thousands of worshippers, Khamenei – the ultimate authority in Iran – said Israel's "astonishing crimes" would galvanise resistance in the region.

“Whatever duty the Islamic Republic has in this regard, it will fulfil with strength and fortitude. We will neither delay nor hurry in carrying out the task, " he told them.

Khamenei insisted Israel would never defeat Hezbollah or Hamas.

Khamenei, 80, also used his 40-minute speech to say that the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel nearly a year ago was a legitimate action by the Palestinian people.

He urged nations from "Afghanistan to Yemen and from Iran to Gaza and Yemen" to be ready to take action against Israel, and praised those who had died doing so.

"Our resisting people in Lebanon and Palestine, you brave fighters, you loyal and patient people, these martyrdoms and the blood that was shed shouldn't shake your determination but make you more persistent," he said.

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Khamenei gave half of the speech in Arabic as he addressed his comments to Arab nations. A ceremony commemorating the death of Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was held before Khamenei's speech.

Iran is Hezbollah's main backer and has sent weapons and billions of dollars to the group.

On Tuesday, Iran launched at least 180 missiles at Israel, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its allies that threaten to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Israel said it intercepted many of the missiles, and officials in Washington said US destroyers assisted in Israel's defence. Iran said most of its missiles hit their targets. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, where he was expected to discuss ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah with Lebanese officials.

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