Offers Russia’s ‘unwavering’ support to Tehran in war against US, Israel
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Zelensky on Monday extended his country’s ‘unwavering’ support to Iran in its war against the US and Israel. Putin, who 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.”
The Russian President told Mojtaba Khamenei that his tenure as the Iranian Supreme Leader following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing in US-Israeli strikes would require “great courage and dedication”.
“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 honourably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of an immense ordeal,” Putin said, according to Kremlin.
The Russian president further 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.
Earlier last week, 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.
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 development comes 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 following his killing, is an “internal matter” and that it will oppose any targeting of the new Iranian leader.
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, triggering 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.
In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and US bases in several Gulf countries. The conflict has now entered its second week, with both the US-Israel and Iran attacking each other.
Agencies