Russian President Vladimir Putin has firmly refused to engage in discussions about claims that Israel and the United States may attempt to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to senior editors in St. Petersburg, Putin dismissed the topic outright when asked about recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
“I do not even want to discuss this possibility. I do not want to,” Putin said when pressed on how he would react if such an act occurred. The Russian leader acknowledged hearing the provocative remarks but remained unwilling to entertain the idea further.
Trump recently said the United States knows “where Khamenei is hiding” but added that Washington was “not going to kill him—for now.” Netanyahu has also speculated that Israel’s attacks on Iran could lead to regime change in Tehran. Putin, however, emphasized that the Iranian public continues to rally around its political leadership, especially amid foreign aggression.
“We see that today in Iran… there is a consolidation of society around the country’s political leadership,” he said, warning that assassination plots and external interference risk further destabilizing the region.
Read: “I May Do It, I May Not”: Trump Hints at Joining Israel’s War on Iran
Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Remain Intact, Says Putin
Putin also addressed growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear infrastructure amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. While much of the international community watches anxiously as Israel continues bombing campaigns on Iranian territory, Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities remain untouched, according to the Russian president.
“These underground factories, they exist. Nothing has happened to them,” Putin confirmed. He added that attempts to destroy or disrupt Iran’s peaceful nuclear ambitions could backfire, calling instead for a balanced diplomatic solution that would safeguard both Iran’s nuclear rights and Israel’s security.
Putin noted that Russia had already proposed a framework to the United States, Israel, and Iran that could allow Iran to pursue civil nuclear energy under international oversight while addressing Israeli fears of weaponization. “Such a solution can be found,” he insisted.
No Military Help to Iran, But Strategic Support Remains
When asked whether Russia would supply modern weapons to Iran in case of escalating Israeli strikes, Putin clarified that Moscow’s strategic cooperation treaty signed with Tehran in January does not include military commitments. He added that Iran had not made any official request for such assistance.
However, Russia remains actively involved in Iran’s civil nuclear development. Putin confirmed that Russian technicians working at the Bushehr nuclear plant—where two new reactors are under construction—had received assurances from Israel that they would not be harmed in any strikes.
“Russia has a very good relationship with Iran,” Putin noted. “We can safeguard Iran’s interests in the nuclear energy field.” Moscow has also offered to take enriched uranium from Iran and supply nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes.
Russia Warns US Against Military Action
As uncertainty swirls around Washington’s next move, Russia continues to warn against US intervention. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov urged the US on Wednesday to avoid striking Iran, stressing that such an action would “radically destabilise” the Middle East.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry echoed those concerns, warning that Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities risk triggering a nuclear catastrophe if enriched materials are compromised.
Putin reiterated that all sides should seek an end to hostilities through diplomatic channels, emphasizing that Russia had already shared its proposals for de-escalation with key stakeholders. “It is possible to ensure Iran’s interests in peaceful nuclear energy and at the same time address Israel’s security concerns,” Putin concluded.