Vladimir Putin Condemns US and Israel Over Killing of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

MOSCOW  Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday strongly condemned the United States and Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a “cynical violation” of morality and international law.

In an official letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said Putin expressed his “deepest condolences” over Khamenei’s assassination. He described the act as one carried out in blatant disregard of human morality and legal norms.

Putin praised Khamenei as an “outstanding statesman” who played a key role in strengthening relations between Russia and Iran. He also asked Pezeshkian to convey his sympathy to Khamenei’s family, the Iranian government, and the people of Iran.

Russia, a close ally of Tehran during its ongoing Ukraine offensive, had earlier urged restraint ahead of the US-Israeli strikes. On Saturday, Moscow condemned the attacks as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger regional catastrophe.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at Tehran’s request, according to Russia’s foreign ministry.

In 2025, Moscow and Tehran signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at deepening cooperation, including military ties  further underscoring the strength of their alliance amid rising global tensions.