Putin backs Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, following the killing of his father during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In a message addressed to the newly appointed leader, Putin said Russia stands firmly with Iran during the ongoing conflict. “I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said, adding that Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner to the country.
He also said that the new leader would require courage and dedication at a time when Iran is facing armed aggression.
Putin’s statement contrasts with remarks made by US President Donald Trump before the leadership transition.
In comments to Axios, Trump said Mojtaba Khamenei succeeding his father was unacceptable and that the United States wanted a leader who would bring harmony and peace to Iran. Trump later told ABC News that if the new leader did not receive US approval, he would not last long. On Monday, he told The Times of Israel that it remained to be seen what would happen.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is the second-oldest son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For most of his life, he has stayed largely out of the public spotlight.
His rise to power comes after his father was killed during the opening hours of US and Israeli strikes on Iran nine days ago. The leadership transition comes as the country faces one of the most serious challenges to its political system in decades.
The conflict has continued to escalate. Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on central Iran on Monday and also targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut. The strikes came a day after Israeli forces hit oil depots in Tehran.
Iran has responded with its own attacks against Israel and against countries in the Middle East that host US military bases. On Sunday, two foreign nationals, including an Indian citizen, were killed after a projectile struck a residential area in Saudi Arabia.