Putin pledges Russia’s ‘unwavering support’ to Mojtaba Khamenei

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Russia’s support as Mojtaba Khamenei is set to be installed as Iran’s new Ayatollah.

By World Israel News Staff

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on succeeding his father as the Islamic Republic’s top authority, highlighting the close relationship between Moscow and Tehran.

In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin emphasized Russia’s support for Iran amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

“I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in the official statement.

The Kremlin added that “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner” to Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was recently confirmed as Iran’s new supreme leader following the assassination of his father, longtime Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran in late February.

For several days, the Iranian body responsible for appointing the country’s supreme leader delayed publicly confirming Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection. Officials reportedly feared that revealing his identity could make him a target for the United States or Israel.

Addressing the new leader directly, Putin showered praise on the younger Khamenei.

“At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,” Putin said.

He added that he was “confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.”

However, the leadership transition has already drawn sharp warnings from Washington and Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Mojtaba Khamenei — or any other Iranian leader chosen without American approval — would struggle to remain in power.

Khamenei and any other leader picked without American approval are “not going to last long,” Trump told American media.

Trump said the United States would only support a leader who does not promote an extremist Islamist agenda, adding that the U.S. military operation aims to create lasting change in the Islamic Republic.

“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again, or worse, let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Israeli officials also suggested the new Iranian leader could be directly targeted.

IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote on his X account that the new supreme leader would be considered a viable target for assassination by Israel.