Moscow, Russia – March 1, 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday extended his deepest condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following the confirmed assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials in joint US-Israeli military strikes that began early Saturday.
In a formal message published on the Kremlin website, Putin described Khamenei’s killing as a “cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.” He expressed profound sorrow over the loss and praised the late Supreme Leader’s role in strengthening bilateral ties.
“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,” the message read. “In Russia, Khamenei will be remembered 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.”
Putin requested that Pezeshkian convey his “most sincere sympathy and support” to Khamenei’s family, the Iranian government, and the entire nation. The statement underscored Russia’s long-standing alliance with Iran, including deep military-technical cooperation, joint economic projects, and coordinated positions on international issues such as Syria, Ukraine, and opposition to Western sanctions.
The condolences come as Iran grapples with the unprecedented loss of its paramount leader and key military figures. Iranian armed forces confirmed Sunday that Khamenei was assassinated in the strikes, alongside:
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces;
Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces;
Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and key nuclear advisor;
Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
Additional reports from state media indicated the deaths of senior Intelligence Ministry official Mohammad Baseri and police intelligence chief Gholamreza Rezaian. Authorities have declared a 40-day national mourning period, with state television airing continuous religious ceremonies and appeals for unity.
An interim Leadership Council has been formed under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative from the Guardian Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene soon to select a permanent Supreme Leader.
The US-Israeli operation—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—was launched early Saturday as a pre-emptive campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and senior leadership. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint action, framing it as necessary to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxies. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including confirmed strikes on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Civilian casualties have been reported, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that attacks occurred near medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran.
The strikes took place despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
Russia has consistently supported Iran diplomatically and militarily, including through arms sales, joint exercises, and opposition to Western sanctions. Putin’s message aligns with Moscow’s broader narrative framing the attacks as unlawful aggression and a violation of sovereignty. Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev earlier accused the US of using talks as a “cover” for military action.
International reactions remain polarized. France, Germany, and the UK denied participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks. The European Union, Switzerland, and several other nations urged maximum restraint and respect for international law. The UN Security Council is in emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as sovereignty violations.
Gulf states closed airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Protests erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, with clashes in Karachi near the US Consulate.
The assassination of Khamenei and the decimation of Iran’s top military leadership have plunged the country into a profound crisis. The interim Leadership Council’s role in maintaining continuity will be critical as the Assembly of Experts prepares to select a new Supreme Leader amid active hostilities.
As the conflict enters its third day, with missile exchanges ongoing and regional airspace restricted, Putin’s condolences underscore Russia’s unwavering support for Tehran during one of its most challenging moments since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
