Putin risks infuriating Trump with his latest remarks.

10:24, Mon, Mar 9, 2026 Updated: 10:33, Mon, Mar 9, 2026

U.S. President Trump And Russian President Putin Meet On War In Ukraine At U.S. Air Base In Alaska

Putin and Trump (Image: Getty)

Vladimir Putin has congratulated the new Supreme Leader of Iran with a statement that risks infuriating Donald Trump. The Russian leader sent a congratulatory message to Iran's Supreme Leader-elect Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirming his continued support and solidarity with Tehran.

A statement posted on the Kremlin's website on Monday read: "Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father's work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials." The statement, signed off by Putin himself, also reiterated Russia's "unwavering support" for Tehran and expressed solidarity with its "Iranian friends". The leader confirmed that Russia has been and will remain a "reliable partner of the Islamic Republic".

Iran selected a new Supreme Leader on Sunday after its predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an airstrike last week.

State media has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Since Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli operation, Mojtaba, 56, emerged as a favourite to succeed him.

He has strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which pressured the Assembly of Experts to select him, Iran International reported.

Despite the connection to the military branch, he is not a high-ranking cleric and has never held an official role in the regime. He did, however, serve in the Iranian armed forces during the war with Israel.

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