Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, on Monday reaffirmed Moscow’s “unwavering support” for Iran amid the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel. Putin also congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
In his statement, Putin expressed confidence that Mojtaba Khamenei would continue the legacy of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during joint US-Israeli strikes. Putin said the new leader would carry forward his father’s work “with honour” and unite the Iranian people in the face of major challenges.
The Russian president also conveyed condolences during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the deaths of Iran’s top leadership members, military officials and civilians in the ongoing conflict.
Explosions Reported in Tehran
Heavy explosions were reported again in several parts of Tehran, according to AFP journalists. The exact targets were not immediately confirmed.
Earlier, Israeli forces had launched a fresh wave of strikes in central Iran, targeting security installations and missile launch facilities, including a rocket engine production unit and sites linked to long-range ballistic missiles.
Gulf Nations on High Alert
The conflict has rapidly expanded across the Gulf region. Authorities in Bahrain sounded emergency sirens and urged citizens to move to safe shelters after Iranian strikes reportedly hit the country’s largest oil refinery, the BAPCO Refinery. The refinery operator later declared force majeure following the attack.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting four Iranian drones heading toward the Shaybah oilfield in the Rub’ al Khali Desert.
The United Arab Emirates also confirmed that its air defence systems were responding to a missile threat, while Qatar said its armed forces intercepted a missile after authorities issued a high security alert.
Iran Appoints New Supreme Leader
As the conflict entered its second week, Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that the country’s Assembly of Experts had appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader.
The broadcaster also said Iran launched its first wave of missile strikes under the new leader, targeting what it described as “occupied territories.”
Following the appointment, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei. Senior officials, including judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and security official Ali Larijani, described the leadership transition as legitimate.
Strong Reactions from the US and Israel
Donald Trump, President of the United States, criticised the appointment and reportedly described the new Iranian leader as a “lightweight.” Trump also warned that the leadership change would not last long without broader international acceptance.
Israel had earlier warned it would target any successor to the Iranian leadership amid the escalating conflict.
The Israeli military also claimed it destroyed the headquarters of the IRGC’s air force, which it said served as a command centre for ballistic missile operations and unmanned aerial vehicle deployments.
US Evacuates Embassy Staff from Saudi Arabia
Amid growing security concerns, the United States Department of State has ordered non-emergency embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
The move came after drone attacks reportedly targeted the US embassy in Riyadh last week, while American diplomatic missions in Kuwait and the UAE have also faced threats.
Analysts say the widening conflict across the Middle East, with attacks targeting oil infrastructure, military bases and major cities, signals a dangerous escalation that could further destabilise the region.
