In further remarks from his first statement as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei said the country must strengthen ties with its neighbours, despite recent Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region which Tehran says were aimed at US military assets.

He also praised Iran’s armed forces, saying they had prevented the country from being overrun or broken apart while it was under attack, and thanked military personnel for what he described as their courage under pressure.

Khamenei said Iran would avenge those killed in the conflict, while also signalling support from allied armed groups elsewhere in the region. He said forces in Yemen would play their part and added that groups in Iraq were also willing to assist Iran.

Alongside the military message, he said help would be offered to civilians affected by the war. According to the statement, those wounded would receive treatment free of charge, while financial compensation would be provided to people who had suffered damage.