Attacks on Israel 'legal, legitimate': Iran's supreme leader

Tehran: Iran's military action against Israel was "completely legal and legitimate," according to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to Xinhua news agency, which cited a statement posted on his office's website, Khamenei made the comments in response to a large gathering of worshippers during the weekly Friday prayer in Tehran, Iran. He was discussing the recent missile attack against Israel by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

He stressed that the Iranian armed forces' action was the least punishment for Israel in response to the "astonishing crimes" committed by Israel and the United States in the West Asia region.

Khamenei added that Iran would "strongly, bravely and decisively" fulfil its responsibilities in that regard, adding, "We will neither hesitate and be negligent nor hurry in carrying out this duty."

"What is reasonable, logical, and correct will be done at its (right) time based on the opinions of the military and political decision-makers, as this work (the missile strike) was done and will be done in the future if necessary," he added.

The IRGC on Tuesday fired about 180 missiles at strategic centres in Israel. Iran said the attacks were in retaliation for Israel's assassinations of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and senior IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, as well as its intensification of "malicious acts" with the US support in its offensives against Lebanese and Palestinians.

With inputs from IANS