Putin Refuses to Discuss Possible Killing of Iran’s Khamenei, Urges De-escalation

Amid growing international tensions regarding Israel’s ongoing air campaign against Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin bluntly declined on Thursday to address claims that Israeli or U.S. soldiers might target Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“I do not even want to consider this possibility. Asked how Russia would respond if Khamenei were murdered, Putin told senior editors during a St. Petersburg press conference, “I do not want to.”

His comments followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertions that Washington knew where Khamenei was “hiding” but had decided against killing him “for now” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s indication that regime change in Tehran was a possible consequence of the conflict.

Though rejecting to consider such events, Putin stressed the Iranian populace was backing its government under the attacks, which indicated the military pressure was only reinforcing internal unity in Iran.

Underground operations continue to remain intact.

Pushing back on Israeli claims of crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Putin confirmed that Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities were not destroyed. “These underground factories are there; nothing has changed for them,” he added.

Urging respect for Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy and Israel’s need for guaranteed security, he called for a quick diplomatic effort to end hostilities. “In general, I believe such a solution is achievable,” he said.

Moscow sets itself apart from Iran’s armed activities.

Putin also made it clear that though Iran and Russia have a strategic partnership, their January-signed accord does not include military help. He verified that Tehran had not demanded any arms despite intensifying Israeli attacks throughout the country.

But he cautioned against any U.S. or Israeli military escalation, mirroring Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who had warned earlier this week a strike on Iran would “radically destabilize” the Middle East.

Russian workers at Iranian nuclear sites spared

As a sign of continuous backchannel contacts between Russia and Israel, Putin disclosed that Israel had guaranteed Moscow that Russian specialists helping nuclear reactors in Bushehr would not be wounded.

Furthermore suggesting that Russia may act as a nuclear energy guarantor, he promised to provide nuclear fuel to Iran and retrieve enriched uranium, therefore guaranteeing peaceful usage and easing Israeli security worries.

The overall picture

Fears are intensifying of a regional conflict including the U.S., with Tehran under siege for the sixth day and people escaping Iran’s capital. Putin said he had spoken to both Trump and Netanyahu and presented Russian ideas for a diplomatic off-ramp.

He said it would be just for everyone to seek for means to stop fighting and added that “such a solution may be found” if every side is ready to negotiate.