Vladimir Putin on Sunday condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family, calling it a “cynical” act that violated moral and legal norms.
In a condolence message addressed to Masoud Pezeshkian and released by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his sympathy over the deaths.
“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,” Putin said.
Iranian state media reported that Khamenei, 86, was killed on Saturday in airstrikes carried out by Israel and United States.
Putin praised Khamenei’s role in strengthening relations between Moscow and Iran.
“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,” he said.
He also extended his condolences to the Iranian 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.”