2 min readUpdated: Mar 1, 2026 05:18 PM ISTRussian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (File Photo)In his first official comment on the US-Israeli coordinated strikes in Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the targeted killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a “cynical murder,” Russian state media agency TASS reported.Putin said Khamenei’s killing violated “all norms of human morality and international law.”Yesterday, the Russian foreign ministry condemned the strikes, calling it “a preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state.”Ayatollah Arafi, a close associate of Khamenei, has been named to lead Iran temporarily. A seasoned cleric, Arafi currently serves as deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, the body that appoints the Supreme Leader.Why is Iran important to Moscow?Moscow and Tehran have been allies for a long time, and have elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2025.Their relations encompass trade, military cooperation and intelligence sharing.During Russia’s war in Ukraine, Iran provided crucial military support, supplying Moscow with Shahed drones — a series of economical ‘suicide drones’ with a range of up to 2,000 km. Tehran also helped Russia build a manufacturing facility to produce these drones.Being a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, Iran also provides Moscow essential transits for its goods through its Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports.Story continues below this adThis helps Russia circumvent the risks of trading through the Mediterranean and Baltic regions amid the war with Ukraine and heightened tensions with Europe.In 2025, the countries signed the Iranian–Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Islamic republicVladmir Putin