By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – russian President Vladimir Zelensky on Monday extended Russia ‘unwavering’ support to Iran in its war against the US and Israel.
Putin also congratulated the newly-elected Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said that he wishes to confirm Russia’s “unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”
He told Mojtaba Khamenei that his tenure as the Iranian Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing in US-Israeli strikes would require “great courage and dedication”.
According to Kremlin “At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your efforts in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of an immense ordeal,” Putin said.
He stated that Russia will always remain a reliable partner for the Islamic Republic.
“For my part, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends. Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner for the Islamic Republic,” he added.
Putin had also spoken with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, and offered his heartfelt condolences on the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
He reaffirmed Russia’s principled stance in favor 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 development came shortly after China said that it will oppose the US and Israel’s targeting of Mojtaba Khamenei.
Beijing said that Tehran’s decision to name Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader, succeeding his late father after his killing, is an “internal matter” and that it will oppose any targeting of the new Iranian leader.
US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, triggered a wider conflict in the Middle East as Iran also retaliated with strikes on US and Israeli targets. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office was destroyed on the very first day of the US-Israeli attacks. Khamenei, his daughter, and other relatives, along with key political aides, were also killed in the strikes.
Iran retaliated with barrage of drone and missile attacks on Israel and US bases in several Gulf countries.
The conflict has entered its second week, with both the US-Israel and Iran attacked each other.
