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Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the killing of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a murder that violated “all norms of human morality and international law”.
Khamenei was killed in a sweeping US–Israeli military operation that extended into a second day on Sunday, with US President Donald Trump describing him as “one of the most evil people in History.”
In a note to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed his condolences for Khameini’s death.
“Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Syed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” said Putin.
Putin said the late Iranian Supreme Leader would be remembered in Russia as an “outstanding statesman.” Russia had condemned the strike launched on Iran by the United States and Israel on Saturday. According to Putin, the aggression is a “reckless step” and an “unprovoked act of armed aggression”.
Russia and Iran are allies who oppose what they term “Western dominance,” particularly by the United States and NATO, and support a more multipolar global order without a single dominant power. Both Russia and Iran are heavily sanctioned by Western powers.
The governments of both countries have enjoyed collaborations that have expanded significantly in recent years. Russia has invested in Iran’s energy and infrastructure sectors, including support for nuclear energy projects and transport networks.
