Putin condemns Khamenei's killing as cynical murder

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family.

In a message of condolence addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, he described their deaths as a 'cynical murder’ that, in his view, violates all norms of human morality and international law.

Putin expressed his deep condolences to Iran and stressed that such an act cannot be justified.

His reaction comes after escalating tensions in the Middle East, where weekend attacks have sparked strong international reactions.

(reuters, mja)