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Putin Backs Iran’s New Supreme Leader: “You Will Honorably Continue Your Father’s Work”
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, longtime Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
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The Kremlin confirmed that Putin sent an official message expressing support for Iran’s leadership and promising continued cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed during the first day of joint Israeli and US strikes targeting Iranian facilities.
In the message published by the Kremlin, Putin stated: “Russia was and will remain a reliable partner of the Islamic Republic. At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your activity in this high office will undoubtedly require great courage and selflessness. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.”
The leadership transition comes amid heightened regional tensions and international reactions to the change in Iran’s political leadership.
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Assembly of Experts. Trump said Washington would prefer to see a leader who could bring peace to the region.
Israeli officials have also warned that Iran’s new leadership could face direct threats if it continues the strategic course set by Ali Khamenei.
Ali Khamenei’s death was first reported by Trump during the initial phase of the joint Israeli-US military strikes. Iranian state media confirmed the death the following day, on March 1.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for nearly 37 years, making him the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East at the time of his death and the longest-ruling Iranian leader since Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Earlier, Russia signaled clear political support for Tehran amid the escalating confrontation between Iran, the US, and Israel. According to Sky News on March 7, Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, stated that Moscow “is not neutral” in the situation and openly backs Iran’s position, criticizing Western governments for what he described as an unfair interpretation of the conflict.
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