Leader of the Islamic Revolution is visiting Iran's western province of Kermanshah which was hit by a deadly earthquake more than a week ago.
"I feel the same pain that each of you have in your hearts. I would have liked to be among you at a better time," the leader said.
"I was also among you during the imposed war. You showed your mettle and endurance in the imposed war. Show it also today. The brave and heroic people stand and defeat the mishap," the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei was referring to the Iraqi war under the former dictator Saddam Hussein whose troops captured Sarpol-e-Zahab in 1980 before the city fought back and drove out the invaders.
“See how Iran considers itself indebted to Kermanshah. Everyone helped as much as their means would allow them,” the Leader said.
As many as 436 people were killed after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Kermanshah province on November 11.
Aftershocks continue to rattle the affected areas, with 647 tremors recorded until Sunday noon following the initial earthquake.