Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent private condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the country’s leadership over the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemning the assassination as “a cynical murder that contradicts human morality and violates international law.”
In a message relayed to Tehran, Putin expressed what he described as Russia’s “deep sorrow” at Khamenei’s death and pledged continued solidarity with Iran amid mounting regional tensions. He said Russia stood by the “Iranian state and people” at what he called a “difficult and tragic moment,” stressing that Moscow regarded the killing as an attack not only on Iran but on regional stability.
The Russian leader condemned the assassination in unusually strong language, calling it “a cynical murder that contradicts human morality and violates international law,” according to a summary of his remarks shared by officials. Putin noted that Khamenei had been a central figure in shaping Iran’s modern political course and Russia’s long-running partnership with Tehran, particularly in areas of security and energy cooperation.
Analysts say Putin’s reaction underlines both Moscow’s strategic alignment with Iran and its desire to present itself as a defender of state sovereignty against unilateral military actions by the United States and its allies. The Kremlin is expected to coordinate closely with Tehran in the coming days as Iran navigates a delicate leadership transition and weighs its response to the strike that claimed Khamenei’s life.
