"The cruelest people on earth assassinated the commander who courageously fought for years against the evils and bandits of the world," Khameneı said.

Khameneı stated that Soleimani's demise would not stop his mission, but those who have killed General Soleimani and other people in Thursday night attack must await a tough revenge.

"Soleimani is an international figure of the Resistance, and all the devotees of Resistance are now his avengers," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

Khameneı also offered condolences to the Iranian nation and General Soleimani’s family, and declared three days of national mourning over the tragedy. (ILKHA)