Iran's Supreme Leader says his country will assist any nation or group that "confronts" Israel, describing it as a "cancer."

The remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came during a Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran broadcast on state television.

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, says that Iran has helped the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas in their fights against Israel, and will aid others who do so.

He describes Israel as a "cancer" and says, "It will be cut."

Israel and Iran consider each other arch-enemies.