Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran's new supreme leader, expresses 'unwaivering support' for Tehran

Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new leader, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

Putin expressed confidence that Khamenei would carry forward the work of his father and guide the country through difficult times.

“I am confident that you will continue your father’s work with honor and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials,” Putin said.

The Russian president also reiterated Moscow’s support for Tehran, saying Russia would continue to stand by Iran.

He added that he wished to “confirm unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”

Earlier, during a phone conversation late on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, members of Khamenei’s family, several Iranian political and military figures, as well as “numerous civilians”.

"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's principled stance in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the rejection of force as a method to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution," the Kremlin reportedly said.

Iran announced on Monday that Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the late supreme leader, would assume leadership of the Islamic Republic. Born in 1969 in the eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei is one of six children of Ali Khamenei.