Putin Rejects Talk of Khamenei Assassination, Urges Peaceful Solution to Iran-Israel Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about a possible U.S.-Israeli assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the idea unacceptable and counterproductive. Speaking in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Putin emphasized that Iranian society was uniting around its leadership despite internal complexities, and urged all sides to seek diplomatic resolutions.

The statement follows remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about potential regime change in Iran, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment that Washington knows Khamenei’s location but is not acting “for now.” Putin declined to discuss the scenario of Khamenei’s assassination, reiterating that Russia supports a peaceful path forward.

Putin called for mutual recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and Israel’s right to security, noting that Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites remain operational. He stressed that resolving the escalating conflict diplomatically is possible and preferable to further military action.

While Iran has not formally requested military aid, Putin clarified that the Russia-Iran strategic partnership agreement signed in January does not include weapons transfers. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also warned that U.S. or Israeli strikes on Iran could destabilize the Middle East and trigger a nuclear disaster.

Putin added that Israel assured Moscow it would not harm Russian personnel working on two reactors at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant. He confirmed Russia’s willingness to supply Iran with nuclear fuel and manage enriched uranium to ensure peaceful use while addressing Israeli security concerns.

Moscow continues to engage with the U.S., Israel, and Iran, presenting its plan for de-escalation and stability in the region.