Moscow [Russia], March 1 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, describing the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader as a “cynical murder,” according to Russian state media agency TASS.
In his first official remarks since the targeted operations and subsequent retaliatory strikes in the region, Putin criticized the nature of the attack. He said the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei violated “all norms of human morality and international law,” TASS reported. Reflecting on ties between Moscow and Tehran, he added that Khamenei would be remembered in the Russian Federation as an “outstanding statesman.”
Putin’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes.
Iranian state media also reported that Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in the strikes. However, an Israeli newspaper reported that there is no official confirmation regarding Khamenei’s fate.
Amid conflicting accounts, international media outlets carried visuals and reports of public reactions inside Iran. CNN reported celebrations in several cities, with whistling, cheering and slogans of “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Long live the Shah” heard in the streets.
Fox News posted a video reporting that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei in the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj.
Former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon A. Levy also shared a video on X, writing, “Iranian women are dancing in the streets — without hair coverings — after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember.”
Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, “A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran. Am I dreaming? Hello, new world.”
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death, calling it justice for the people of Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and those people from many countries throughout the world that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.”
Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following Khamenei’s death, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death, Arbaeen, holds significant spiritual importance.
The death occurred following strikes by the United States and Israel on Saturday. Iran’s Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-staff and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the end of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic’s history.
Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities such as Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.
Attention is now focused on the process of selecting Khamenei’s successor, amid speculation about potential candidates and the implications for Iran’s future leadership. (ANI)
About The Author
