Russia and China condemned Khamenei’s killing in the US-Israeli attack (Image: AP)
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack sparked a strong reaction from Russia and China, with leaders in Moscow and Beijing harshly criticizing the move and urging an immediate halt to military operations.Khamenei, 86, was killed in a major airstrike on Iranian military and government sites.
His death plunged the region into new instability, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Gulf.
Putin calls killings ‘cynical violation’ of law
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the assassination as “a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” according to AFP.In a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his “deepest condolences on the assassination of Khamenei.” He said that the Iranian leader “will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made great personal contributions to the development of friendly relations between Russia and Iran.”Putin also asked Pezeshkian to “convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the relatives and loved ones of the Supreme Leader, to the Iranian government and all people.”Russia earlier condemned the US and Israeli attack as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger a “catastrophe” in the region. Moscow had previously called for restraint ahead of the attack.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Saturday. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the conversation was held “at the initiative of Iran.”Russia and Iran have strengthened ties in recent years, especially in the wake of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine. In 2025, the two countries signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at deepening cooperation, including in the military field.
China calls killings ‘unacceptable’
China also strongly condemns this. Beijing called the killing a “serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and trampled on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and basic norms governing international relations,” according to AFP.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this” and called for an “immediate cessation of military operations.”According to Chinese state media, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Sergey Lavrov on the phone during a conference call initiated by Russia.Wang Yi said in the conversation that it was “unacceptable” for the United States and Israel to “blatantly kill sovereign leaders and incite regime change,” according to China’s Xinhua News Agency.He added that China was “highly concerned” that the Middle East could be pushed into a “dangerous abyss.” Wang also warned that attacking sovereign states without authorization from the United Nations Security Council would undermine the global order established after World War II.“The international community must send a clear, unambiguous message against the world’s retreat into the law of the jungle,” he said.
Evacuation tips for Chinese citizens
Beijing has urged citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible” amid rising tensions. The foreign ministry reiterated the call on Sunday, saying Chinese passport holders could leave Iran via visa-free overland routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye.The warning reflects growing concerns that the conflict could escalate after Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel, U.S. military installations and Gulf states, the Associated Press reported.
wider global attention
The killings sparked panic outside Moscow and Beijing. Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the “cycle of violence” and urged all parties to act with “moral responsibility” before the situation becomes an “irrepairable divide”.“Stability and peace are not to be established through mutual threats or weapons, which cause destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasoned, sincere and responsible dialogue,” the pope said during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.The United States, meanwhile, defended the operation. President Donald Trump said the attack gave the Iranians the “best chance” of “taking back” the country and warned Tehran not to escalate the attack further.
Strong language from Moscow and Beijing paints a picture of a widening geopolitical divide. Russia and China both have close ties with Iran and have often criticized U.S. and Israeli actions in the region.With Russia and Iran bound by a recent strategic treaty and China warning against “regime change,” the reactions show that Khamenei’s killing is not just a regional issue but has global diplomatic consequences.
