SRINAGAR: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader and reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Tehran amid escalating regional tensions.
The leadership transition comes after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US–Israeli airstrikes last week.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s top leader, announced Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment shortly after midnight on Monday.
Mojtaba Khamenei had long been considered a possible successor despite not holding any formal government position. He was reportedly chosen over other contenders, including cleric Alireza Arafi, hardliner Mohsen Araki and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of Iran’s Islamic Republic.
According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed confidence that Mojtaba Khamenei would continue his father’s legacy and guide the country during a challenging period.
“I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in a message to Mojtaba Khamenei, Reuters reported. “At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,” the Russian leader added.
Meanwhile, media reports have claimed that Russia has been sharing real-time intelligence with Iran regarding the locations of American military assets in the Middle East, including warships and aircraft, potentially assisting Tehran in targeting US forces during the ongoing conflict.
The Washington Post reported that three officials said Moscow has provided information on the positions of US warships, aircraft and other military assets since the conflict began. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
