On Wednesday, the Kremlin publicly condemned the assassination of Iranian leaders, particularly focusing on the death of Ali Larijani, announced by Tehran as the result of an airstrike purportedly carried out by Israel. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, expressed Moscow's strong disapproval of any actions targeting the leadership of sovereign nations, emphasizing Russia's commitment to protecting Iranian interests in the ongoing geopolitical tension. Larijani was a notable figure in Iran's political landscape, having served as a senior adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a related statement, the Kremlin criticized the American-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, marking a significant point of concern for Moscow given its close alliance with Tehran. Peskov called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both parties to enter negotiations to prevent further escalation of the conflict, indicating Russia's desire to play a mediating role in the region. This condemnation aligns with Russia's broader strategic interests in the Middle East and its objective to maintain strong ties with Iran amidst tensions with Western powers.

The reports of military cooperation between Russia and Iran have been a contentious issue, particularly regarding military intelligence sharing and advanced drone technology. However, Peskov denied allegations suggesting an expansion of such cooperation, highlighting the Kremlin's efforts to maintain a diplomatic narrative while addressing external pressures. This stance could have implications for regional security dynamics and the ongoing discourse surrounding military operations in the area.