Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei following his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, pledging Moscow’s continued support for Tehran amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Israel. According to Russian state media, Putin expressed confidence that the new leader would carry forward the legacy of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development comes days after US-Israeli strikes killed the former Supreme leader, triggering a leadership transition in Tehran and intensifying geopolitical tensions across the region.
Moscow Backs Tehran
In a message reported by Russian media, Putin said he was confident Mojtaba Khamenei would continue the work of his father and unite the Iranian people during what he described as a period of armed aggression.
“At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, I am confident that you will honourably continue the cause of your father and rally the Iranian people. I wish to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran,” Putin said.
Iran’s clerical Assembly of Experts announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, would succeed his father as the country’s supreme leader. The announcement came nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, also congratulated the new leader and expressed hope that the decision would strengthen the country during a time of crisis. He said the appointment had disappointed Iran’s “war-seeking enemies” while giving hope to the Iranian people.
Opposition And Escalation
Meanwhile, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi sharply criticised the current leadership in Tehran. In a post on social media platform X, he accused the ruling establishment of using ordinary Iranians as “human shields” during the ongoing conflict.
Pahlavi also claimed that American and Israeli efforts to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s military infrastructure had widespread support among Iranians.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions about mediation or a ceasefire were “irrelevant” while military confrontations continued. He argued that recent attacks had undermined diplomatic efforts and warned that Iran would continue to defend itself if neighbouring territories were used to launch strikes against it.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump said Washington would seek to influence the selection of Iran’s leadership, warning that any successor lacking American approval “is not going to last long”.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll. US Central Command confirmed that several American service members have died during the ongoing operations, while Israel has warned it will pursue anyone involved in appointing a successor to Iran’s former supreme leader.
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