Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday reiterated his countrys commitment to its regional role, labeling it as ‘resistance.’ The top cleric declared once again Iran’s unwavering support for Syrian regime head Bashar al-Assad. On another hand, Khamenei’s international affairs advisor Ali Akbar Velayati said that the Russian veto in favor of Iran is proof of the growth of shared strategic relations. This coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif, on Thursday, holding consultations with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the phone. The two conferred on regional issues and the Russian veto against a resolution condemning Irans sending of ballistic missiles to Yemen. “Syria is on the frontline, so our duty is to support the Syrian resistance,” Khamenei said in a meeting with the visiting Syrian Minister of Religious Affairs, Mohammed Abdul Sattar, and a number of Syrian clerics. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting with Sattar, Velayati said of the UK-proposed draft resolution, “The policies of the British have a despised history among Iranians and in no way was this action contrary to our expectations.” Of the 15 members of the Security Council, 11 voted for the resolution, which was supported heavily by the United States. Russia is one of the five permanent members with veto power. China, another, abstained. A Russian draft embargoing arms to Yemen and making no reference to Iran was approved. He added: “What Russia did in vetoing this resolution is an indication of growing strategic relations between Iran and Russia.” Khamenei also praised Assad for his “fight and resistance” against his countrys enemies. “The enemy cannot do anything against a dignified nation whose leaders are proud about Islam and their identity,” Khamenei said. Media outlets cited the Syrian minister telling Khamenei that “Iran has worked to spread resistance from Tehran to Damascus and Lebanon, and this has an important duty to plan for the liberation of Jerusalem.”