Putin Expresses Condolences to Iran Following Khamenei's Assassination
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Moscow, March 1 (NationPress) On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his heartfelt condolences to his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, regarding the tragic assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several of his family members.
Putin expressed his sympathy towards Khamenei's family and friends, as well as the Iranian leadership and populace.
In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin remarked, "Please accept my profound condolences on the heinous assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and his family members, which was carried out in a blatant disregard for human morality and international law."
He further noted, "In our nation, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as a remarkable statesman who significantly contributed to fostering friendly relations between Russia and Iran, elevating them to a level of comprehensive strategic partnership."
The assassination of Khamenei occurred amid a significant attack by the U.S. and Israel, marking a pivotal moment in the 46-year history of Shia theocratic rule, as Tehran's response ignited unrest across much of the Middle East. Khamenei had served as Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
In the wake of Khamenei's passing, the Iranian government declared a 40-day mourning period. Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday that Khamenei was killed during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, which also claimed the lives of four of his relatives, including his daughter, grandchild, and son-in-law, as reported by Iran's Fars News Agency.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has vowed to exact revenge on the "murderers" of Khamenei, following the official confirmation of his death by state television, promising what they described as the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the U.S. and Israel.
In a statement shared on its official Telegram page, the IRGC declared, "The Iranian nation’s hand of vengeance for a severe, decisive, and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not relent."
Additionally, the Iranian Cabinet has warned that this "great crime will never go unanswered."