Putin's Condolences to Iran President
In a message to Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian released by the Kremlin today, Putin not only extended his condolences but also highlighted Khamenei's contribution in bringing Russian, Iranian relations to a level of comprehensive strategic partnership.
"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,” said the message.
Khamenei's Key Role in Russia Ties
In his message, Putin said that Khamenei will be continually remembered by Russia as an excellent statesman, one who personally played a major role in deepening friendly relations between Moscow and Tehran .
"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," Putin said.
"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," he added.
US-Israel Missile Strikes Tehran
Putin's message came at a time when tensions were very high in West Asia after a joint missile attack by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Explosion sounds were heard in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media said the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been assassinated in the attacks. The Iranian media reported that the daughter, grandchild, daughter, in, law, and son, in, law of Ali Khamenei were killed in the Israeli, US attacks.
Top Iranian Military Leaders Dead
Further, the reports stated that those who lost their lives in the attack were Chief of the General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani and Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Aziz Nasirzadeh.