MOSCOW, March 1. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the assassination of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, as a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.

"Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," the Russian official said in a message addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The text of the condolences was published on the Kremlin's website. "I ask you to convey my sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, to the government and to all the people of Iran," Putin added.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were targeted. The White House justified the attack by citing Iran's missile and nuclear threats. Iranian state television reported the death of the Supreme Leader of Iran. The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, announced that the leadership council would assume the duties of the Supreme Leader until a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is elected.

TASS/gnews.cz-jav