Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group as “unconquerable” on Saturday in comments after its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was confirmed dead in an Israeli airstrike.

“The criminal Zionists (Israelis) should know that they are incapable of damaging the stable structure of Hezbollah as the leader of the resistance front,” Khamenei said in a statement, according to the IRNA state news agency.

Khamenei did not address the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which was announced by Israel and confirmed by Hezbollah later on Saturday.

Iran is a major supporter of Hezbollah, alongside other Islamist groups like the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen and other armed groups in Iraq and Syria.

Khamenei said the entire Islamic world should now stand by Lebanon and Hezbollah and continue the fight against Israel.

However, he did not say how Iran would react to Nasrallah’s death.

Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-general of Hezbollah, speaks via a video link, during an event to mark the "Wounded Resistance Fighter Day". Marwan Naamani/dpaHassan Nasrallah, Secretary-general of Hezbollah, speaks via a video link, during an event to mark the "Wounded Resistance Fighter Day". Marwan Naamani/dpa

Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-general of Hezbollah, speaks via a video link, during an event to mark the “Wounded Resistance Fighter Day”. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Black smokes billows from Beirut southern suburb after an early morning Israeli air raid. Marwan Naamani/dpaBlack smokes billows from Beirut southern suburb after an early morning Israeli air raid. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Black smokes billows from Beirut southern suburb after an early morning Israeli air raid. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Rescue workers gather at the site of a massive Israeli air attack on pro-Iranian Hezbollah headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Marwan Naaman/dpaRescue workers gather at the site of a massive Israeli air attack on pro-Iranian Hezbollah headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Marwan Naaman/dpa

Rescue workers gather at the site of a massive Israeli air attack on pro-Iranian Hezbollah headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Marwan Naaman/dpa



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