Russia and China condemn Khamenei’s killing in US-Israeli strikes (Image source: AP)
The killing of Iranian 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 years old) was killed in a major air attack on Iranian military and government sites.
Iran unleashes revenge on Khamenei; “The next decisive punishment is coming.” He watches
His killing plunged the region into a state of new instability, as Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
Putin calls the killing a “cynical violation” of the law
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the assassination as a “cynical violation of all the rules of human morality and international law,” according to Agence France-Presse.In a letter published by the Kremlin and addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed his “sincere condolences on the assassination” of Khamenei.
He said that the Iranian leader “will remain in memory as an outstanding statesman who made a tremendous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations.”Putin also asked Pezeshkian to “convey my sincere sympathy and support to the relatives and loved ones of the Supreme Leader, the government and the entire Iranian people.”Russia had previously condemned the US-Israeli strikes, describing them as a “dangerous adventure” that could lead to a regional “disaster.”
Moscow had previously called for restraint in the period leading up to the attacks.On Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the conversation took place “at the initiative of the Iranian side.”Russia and Iran have strengthened their relations in recent years, especially after the attack launched by Moscow in Ukraine. In 2025, the two countries signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at deepening cooperation, including on military matters.
China says killing ‘unacceptable’
China also issued a strong condemnation. According to Agence France-Presse, Beijing said the killing was a “serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, trampling on the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms of international relations.”“China strongly opposes and strongly condemns this,” the Foreign Ministry said, calling for “an immediate cessation of military operations.”Chinese official media reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Sergei Lavrov in a call initiated by the Russian side.During the conversation, Wang said that the “blatant killing of a sovereign leader and incitement of regime change” by the United States and Israel is “unacceptable,” according to China’s Xinhua News Agency.He added that China is “deeply concerned” about the possibility of pushing the Middle East into a “dangerous abyss.” Wang also warned that attacking a sovereign country without authorization from the UN Security Council undermines the global order established after World War II.He said: “The international community must send a specific and clear message opposing the world’s return to the law of the jungle.”
Warning of evacuation of Chinese citizens
Amid escalating tensions, Beijing urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible.” Reiterating the call on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said that Chinese passport holders can exit Iran via visa-free land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.The warning reflects growing concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand after Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel, US military installations and Gulf states, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Wider global concern
His killing sparked concern outside Moscow and Beijing. Pope Leo“Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death, but only through reasonable, real and responsible dialogue,” the Pope said during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.Meanwhile, the United States defended the operation. President Donald Trump said the strikes gave the Iranians their “biggest opportunity” to “take back” their country and warned Tehran against escalating the attacks further.
The strong language from Moscow and Beijing depicts a widening geopolitical divide. Both Russia and China have closer ties with Iran and have often criticized US and Israeli actions in the region.With Russia and Iran committing to a recent strategic treaty and China warning of “regime change,” the reactions show that Khamenei’s killing is not only a regional issue, but one with global diplomatic consequences.