Iranian leader warns: We will attack Israel again if necessary

Iran's missile attacks on Israel were correct, logical and legal," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared to a large crowd that had gathered to hear him speak in Tehran.

Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the attack on Israel as "minimum punishment" for what he called Israel's "stupendous crimes" as he led Friday prayers in the capital before a large crowd gathered to hear him spoke in Tehran.

The supreme leader delivered part of his speech in Arabic to address Palestinian and Lebanese supporters.

During his speech, Khamenei praised Nasrallah and expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which he said provided "vital service to the entire region and the entire Islamic world", writes the BBC . 

Khamenei also told the crowd that Iran would retaliate if, as expected, Israel launches a response to Tuesday's missile attack.

"Iran will attack Israel again if necessary," said the Iranian leader. 

He said armed groups linked to Iran "will not back down" in their conflict with Israel, which entered a new phase after Hamas began deadly attacks on Israel almost a year ago.

Iran is reportedly the main backer of Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as other armed groups in the Middle East that have attacked Israel.

In recent weeks, several senior leaders of Iran-backed groups and Iran's powerful military wing, the Revolutionary Guard, have been killed in Israeli strikes or suspected Israeli assassinations.

Khamenei's speech came three days after Iran fired nearly 200 rockets into Israel in what it said was retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.