Putin Pledges Russia’s Support for Iran’s New Supreme Leader

President Vladimir Putin has extended congratulations to Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, pledging unwavering Russian support amid heightened regional strife following the death of his predecessor.

In a message released by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin lauded Mojtaba’s potential to uphold his father’s legacy, stating he believed the new leader would continue the path already laid out for the country.

Putin expressed confidence that Mojtaba would continue his father’s work “with honour” and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials.”b36b06

He affirmed “unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” highlighting the strategic ties between Moscow and Tehran in political, economic, and security domains.40639b

Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric in his mid-50s with strong connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was named by Iran’s Assembly of Experts following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.66efca

The elder Khamenei, who led since 1989 and spearheaded the “Axis of Resistance,” prompted a 40-day national mourning period in Iran.50d293

The gesture underscores the growing alliance between Russia and Iran, forged amid shared opposition to Western influence and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.