Russia and China condemn the assassination of Khamenei in the attacks between the United States and Israel (Image credit: AP)
The assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes has sparked strong reactions from both Russia and China, with leaders in Moscow and Beijing sharply criticizing the move and urging an immediate halt to military operations.Khamenei, 86, was killed in a major airstrike on Iranian military and government facilities.
His death has plunged the region into new instability, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
Putin calls murder a “cynical violation” of the law
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the killing as “a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” according to the AFP news agency.In a letter published by the Kremlin and addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed his “deepest condolences for the assassination” of Khamenei. He said the Iranian leader “will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly relations between Russia and Iran.”Putin also asked Pezeshkian to “convey my sincere condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the Supreme Leader, the government and all the people of Iran.”Russia had previously condemned the attacks between the United States and Israel as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger a regional “catastrophe.” Moscow had previously called for restraint in the run-up to the attacks.On Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the conversation was held “at the initiative of the Iranian side.”Russia and Iran have strengthened their ties in recent years, especially after Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine. In 2025, the two countries signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at deepening cooperation, including in military matters.
China says killing ‘unacceptable’
China also issued strong condemnation. According to AFP, Beijing said the assassination was “a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, a trampling of the objectives and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations.”“China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this,” the Foreign Ministry said, calling for an “immediate cessation of military operations.”Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Sergei Lavrov, in a call initiated by the Russian side, Chinese state media reported.During the conversation, Wang said the “blatant assassination of a sovereign leader and incitement of regime change” by the United States and Israel was “unacceptable,” according to Chinese news agency Xinhua.He added that China was “very concerned” that the Middle East could be pushed into a “dangerous abyss.” Wang also warned that attacking a sovereign state without authorization from the UN Security Council undermines the global order established after World War II.“The international community must send a clear and defined message opposing the world’s regression to the law of the jungle,” he said.
Evacuation notice for Chinese citizens
Amid rising tensions, Beijing has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible.” Repeating the call on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said Chinese passport holders would be able to leave Iran via visa-free land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.The warning reflects growing fears that the conflict could widen further after Iran fired drones and missiles at Israel, US military facilities and Gulf states, according to the AP news agency.
Broader global concern
The murder has sparked alarm beyond Moscow and Beijing. Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the “spiral of violence” and urged all parties to act with “moral responsibility” before the situation becomes “an irreparable abyss.”“Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or weapons, which sow destruction, pain and death, but only through reasonable, genuine and responsible dialogue,” the Pope said during his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.Meanwhile, the United States has defended the operation. President Donald Trump said the attacks gave the Iranians their “best chance” to “take back” their country and warned Tehran against further escalation of attacks.
Strong language from Moscow and Beijing portrays a widening geopolitical divide. Both Russia and China have closer ties to Iran and have frequently criticized the actions of the United States and Israel in the region.With Russia and Iran linked by a recent strategic treaty and China warning against “regime change”, the reactions show that Khamenei’s assassination is not just a regional issue but has global diplomatic consequences.