Khamenei warns Iran will back ‘any nations, any groups’ fighting Israel

Tehran - Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that his country will back any group or nation targeting Israel.

“From now onward, we will support and help any nations, any groups fighting against the Zionist regime across the world, and we are not afraid of declaring this,” The Washington Post quoted Khamenei, as saying.

“The Zionist regime is a true cancer tumor on this region that should be cut off .And it definitely will be cut off,” he added.

His statement comes in the wake of Israel warning to target Iran’s nuclear facilities.

He also said warned that any military strike by the U.S. would only make Iran stronger.

Analysts said the timing and setting of his speech hardened a standoff that some analysts say has the potential to spark military action.

Khamenei’s speech, which comes ahead of a planned resumption of nuclear talks, exemplified his view of Iran as the flag-bearer in battles against the “arrogant powers,” a term used in Iranian political discourse to describe the United States and its allies.

He added that the U.S. and European sanctions are actually helping Iran to develop the nuclear program and added that the countries would never succeed in halting it.

His speech marked a sharp departure to the earlier speech by Iran Prime Minister Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who indicated that the country is ready for talks with the West on the issue.