Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a “cynical violation” of international norms, an act occurring amidst heightened tensions and accusations of involvement by the United States, and Israel. The Kremlin released a statement detailing Putin’s strong denunciation following the Saturday killing of Khamenei and several high-ranking Iranian officials, including the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“Accept my heartfelt condolences over the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and his family members,” Putin stated in a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “This act was committed in blatant disregard for all standards of human morality and international law.” Putin further emphasized Khamenei’s role in fostering a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Russia and Iran, noting his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
The assassination has prompted a strong response from Iran on the international stage. Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, addressed the U.N. Security Council on Saturday, accusing the U.S. Of undermining claims of pursuing international stability while simultaneously attacking a sovereign nation based on its “domestic” activities. Iravani argued that international law does not permit the use of force based on internal affairs of another state, warning that such actions would replace the “rule of law with the rule of force.”
“Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defense decisively and without hesitation until the aggression ceases in full and unequivocal terms,” Iravani declared.
The attacks were initiated following an order from U.S. President Donald Trump, who authorized “Operation Epic Fury,” citing Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons development. “It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again. They can never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated Saturday, justifying the strikes as a means to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” Trump asserted that the action followed Iran’s refusal to halt its nuclear program.
Iravani characterized the U.S. Action as a continuation of long-standing aggression against Iran, referencing previous U.S. Strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. He further accused the U.S. And Israel of openly articulating a regime change objective, which he described as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Mr. President, this morning the United States regime, jointly and in coordination with the Israeli regime, initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in recent months,” Iravani said.
As of Sunday, March 1, 2026, no further statements have been issued by the U.S. Administration regarding potential further action, and the Iranian government has not announced specific retaliatory measures beyond Iravani’s pledge to exercise its right to self-defense.
