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Russian President Offers Condolences After Iran’s Top Security Official Is Assassinated On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei following the death of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 (Photo: AFP). “Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council,” Putin wrote. In his message, the Kremlin leader praised Larijani as “a wise and far-sighted politician who consistently defended the interests of the Iranian people.” He noted that he had met Larijani on multiple occasions, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS. “The memory of him—a sincere friend of our country who made a tremendous contribution to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran—will remain in our hearts,” Putin added. “Please convey my deepest sympathy and support to his family and loved ones,” he concluded. Earlier, the Kremlin condemned the killing, accusing Israel and the United States of being behind the assassination. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated: “We strongly condemn any actions aimed at harming or eliminating members of the leadership of Iran and other sovereign states.” Ali Larijani (Photo: Iran International). Larijani, 68, had played a central role in Iran’s power transition process. Before his assassination, he headed the Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top security body responsible for coordinating defense, security, and strategic foreign policy. A pragmatic figure known for maintaining ties across multiple factions, Larijani was widely seen as trusted by the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Though not formally part of any interim leadership council, he was often viewed as a key “security anchor” ensuring continuity within Iran’s political system.