Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has praised Iran’s “courageous resistance” against the United States and Israel, saying the country is now better prepared to confront external threats.

In a statement released on National Persian Language Preservation Day, Khamenei linked Iran’s recent conflict with the themes of the Persian epic poem Shahnameh, written by renowned poet Ferdowsi.

According to the statement, Iran “has demonstrated during the recent Sacred Defence (against the US-Zionist invasion) that Ferdowsi’s legendary tales are a reality of their lives and a reflection of their heroic character”.

Khamenei also said the “valiant, Quranic concepts” in Shahnameh “unite all Iranian ethnicities and social strata in preserving their identity, independence and in the battle against the ‘Zahhak-like’ aggressors”.

In Persian mythology, Zahhak is regarded as a symbol of tyranny and evil.

The statement comes amid continuing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel following months of conflict and diplomatic deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security.

Iranian leaders have repeatedly framed the recent fighting as a defence of national sovereignty and independence, while also calling for greater unity across the country.