Putin Extends Condolences to Iran After Supreme Leader Assassination

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences on Sunday to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to reports.

In a message published on the Kremlin website, Putin wrote, "Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family.” He described the act as carried out in a “cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”

Putin also praised Khamenei as “an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and brought them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership." He added, "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."

According to reports, Iran’s armed forces stated that Khamenei was assassinated along with several senior military officials during US-Israeli strikes that began a day earlier. Those killed reportedly included Chief of the General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Aziz Nasirzadeh.

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