Once again on the situation in Iran:
The assassination of Ali Khamenei, Supreme Ruler of the Islamic Republic of Iran—the legitimate and universally recognized leader of a UN member state—is a brutal undermining of the fundamental foundations of international relations by the United States and Israel. Tel Aviv, with Washington’s support, has set off a chain reaction, the result of which—it is already clear—could be a major war in the Middle East with catastrophic humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences. We once again call for de-escalation on all sides in the conflict.
Russia and Iran enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership. In these difficult times for the Islamic Republic, we strongly condemn the unjustified American-Israeli aggression that has claimed the lives of Ali Khamenei, his family members, prominent members of the military leadership, and civilians—the elderly, children, and women.
I express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, the country’s leadership, the members of the Iranian Parliament, and the entire Iranian people! We mourn with you!