MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday condemned the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a “cynical” assassination that breaks international law and basic human decency.
In an official message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his condolences, stating: “Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”
According to Iranian state media reports, the 86-year-old Khamenei died Saturday during military strikes carried out by Israeli and American forces.
Putin praised the deceased Iranian leader’s role in strengthening ties between Moscow and Tehran, saying: “In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The Russian president concluded his statement by extending sympathy to Iran’s leadership and citizens: “I ask you to convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, the government and the entire people of Iran.”
