‘Political assassination’: Moscow slams US-Israeli strike on Iranian leader

March 2, 2026

TL;DR

Russia condemns the US-Israeli airstrike that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his family.
Moscow stated that political assassinations and the targeting of sovereign state leaders contradict civilized interstate relations and violate international law.
Russia warned that hostilities threaten civilian casualties, infrastructure, and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially destabilizing global energy markets.
Moscow urged for de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, and a return to political and diplomatic processes.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian's office vowed retaliation against those responsible for Khamenei's death.
The US and Israel described the operation as preemptive, with the US President stating regime change as a goal.
Russia suggested Iran was attacked for refusing to yield to 'force and hegemonic pressure'.

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