Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged support to Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, days after the cleric’s father was killed in US-Israeli strikes.
The message came Monday as fighting in the region continues, and tensions remain high. Putin said Moscow stands firmly behind Tehran and its leadership.
“I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in a message to Khamenei, adding that “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner” to Iran, according to Pravda Ukraine.
Khamenei, 56, was chosen as Iran’s new supreme leader after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. The younger Khamenei’s appointment was announced Sunday by the clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s top authority.
In his message, Putin also addressed the challenges facing the new leader as the war continues.
“At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,” Putin told the new ayatollah, voicing confidence that he would “unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.”
Russia has strongly condemned the attacks that killed the elder Khamenei. Moscow previously described the strikes as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression,” while Putin called the killing a “cynical assassination.”
The Kremlin has urged a halt to the fighting and a return to diplomatic negotiations. Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2025 that includes cooperation against shared threats but does not establish a formal mutual defense pact.
Khamenei’s appointment comes as the conflict enters its tenth day, with missile and drone strikes continuing across the Middle East. Iranian institutions and political figures issued statements pledging loyalty after the leadership decision was announced.
President Donald Trump previously criticized Mojtaba Khamenei and warned that Iran’s new leader could face consequences. Trump had described him as a “lightweight” and said the cleric “is not going to last long” without his approval.
After similar threats from Israel, China’s foreign ministry said it opposes attacks targeting national leaders. A Chinese spokesperson said, “Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected.”
The Israeli military said Monday it had carried out strikes targeting what it called “regime infrastructure” in Iran. The military also reported launching attacks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, sources cited by The Washington Post said Russia has been providing Iran with intelligence to assist strikes on American military targets in the region, though the Kremlin has publicly said Tehran has not requested direct support.
The message came Monday as fighting in the region continues, and tensions remain high. Putin said Moscow stands firmly behind Tehran and its leadership.
“I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in a message to Khamenei, adding that “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner” to Iran, according to Pravda Ukraine.
Khamenei, 56, was chosen as Iran’s new supreme leader after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. The younger Khamenei’s appointment was announced Sunday by the clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s top authority.
In his message, Putin also addressed the challenges facing the new leader as the war continues.
“At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,” Putin told the new ayatollah, voicing confidence that he would “unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.”
Russia has strongly condemned the attacks that killed the elder Khamenei. Moscow previously described the strikes as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression,” while Putin called the killing a “cynical assassination.”
The Kremlin has urged a halt to the fighting and a return to diplomatic negotiations. Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2025 that includes cooperation against shared threats but does not establish a formal mutual defense pact.
Khamenei’s appointment comes as the conflict enters its tenth day, with missile and drone strikes continuing across the Middle East. Iranian institutions and political figures issued statements pledging loyalty after the leadership decision was announced.
President Donald Trump previously criticized Mojtaba Khamenei and warned that Iran’s new leader could face consequences. Trump had described him as a “lightweight” and said the cleric “is not going to last long” without his approval.
After similar threats from Israel, China’s foreign ministry said it opposes attacks targeting national leaders. A Chinese spokesperson said, “Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected.”
The Israeli military said Monday it had carried out strikes targeting what it called “regime infrastructure” in Iran. The military also reported launching attacks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, sources cited by The Washington Post said Russia has been providing Iran with intelligence to assist strikes on American military targets in the region, though the Kremlin has publicly said Tehran has not requested direct support.
