Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows revenge for the killing of the Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani in his first official reaction to the strike on Baghdad.

Khamenei said “harsh revenge awaits the criminals” involved in the killing of Soleimani and others, in a message to the nation published on his official website.

The Supreme Leader also said the fight would continue. “All friends - as well as all enemies - know that the path of Resistance will continue, and definite victory awaits the mujahideen on this this blessed path”.

Khamenei then extolled Soleimani saying dying for the cause was the general’s great wish. “For years it was his wish to become a martyr, and finally God granted him his highest office”, adding “his pure blood was shed in the hands of the most depraved of human beings.”

Khamenei then extended his condolences to Soleimani’s wife, children and all Iranian people.

Khamenei also declared there would be three days of national mourning.