Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, offering his “unwavering support” for Tehran as the country faces a deepening regional conflict.
The leadership change followed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes last week.
Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for choosing the country’s top leader, announced the decision shortly after midnight on Monday.
Mojtaba Khamenei had long been viewed as a potential successor despite holding no formal government office. He was selected over other contenders including cleric Alireza Arafi, hardliner Mohsen Araki and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Iran’s revolutionary founder.
The Kremlin said Putin believed Mojtaba Khamenei would carry forward his father’s legacy “with honour” and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials.”
"I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends," Putin said in a message to Mojtaba, Reuters reported.
"At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication," the Russian leader said.
Meanwhile, reports said Russia has been providing Iran with real-time intelligence on the locations of American military assets in the Middle East, including warships and aircraft, potentially helping Tehran target US forces during the ongoing conflict.
The Washington Post reported that three officials said Moscow has shared information on the locations of US warships, aircraft and other military assets since the war began. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
