Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran's supreme leader

2026-03-09 - 11:52

In a congratulatory telegram to the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Putin acknowledged the immense challenges facing Iran as it confronts military strikes from US and Israeli forces. "Now, when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your work in this high office will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication," the Kremlin statement read. The Russian leader expressed confidence that Mojtaba Khamenei would unite the Iranian people during severe trials, effectively continuing the legacy of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who held the position for 37 years before being killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on Feb. 28. Moscow reaffirms commitment to Tehran amid regional war Putin used the message to reiterate Russia's steadfast partnership with Iran, declaring that Moscow "has been and will remain a reliable partner of the Islamic Republic." The Russian president offered his support for the challenges ahead, stating: "For my part, I would like to confirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends." The diplomatic gesture underscores the deepening strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran as both face Western pressure, with Russia increasingly isolated over its Ukraine war and Iran confronting direct military action from US and Israeli forces. Third supreme leader in Iranian history takes office Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, becomes the third Supreme Leader in Iran's history following the death of his father, who was 86 when a joint US-Israeli strike hit his Tehran residence. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the appointment as a step toward strengthening national unity during a period of unprecedented crisis. The leadership transition comes as Iran faces a multi-front challenge, including continuing airstrikes that have killed over 1,300 people, retaliatory operations against Israel and Gulf states, and mounting economic pressure from energy market disruptions. For Türkiye, the consolidation of leadership in Tehran carries significant implications as Ankara maintains dialogue with all parties while seeking to protect its security and economic interests amid an increasingly volatile regional landscape.