Russia Reacts to Larijani's Death in Israeli Strike, Calls It Murder

 Russia has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian senior leader Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike, labeling it a "murder" of a sovereign nation's leadership.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 18, 2026, that Moscow "unequivocally condemns any actions aimed at harming the health of, or indeed murdering or eliminating, members of the leadership of sovereign and independent Iran." The remarks came a day after Iran's Fars news agency confirmed Larijani, a senior adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and former nuclear negotiator, died in Tehran from the strike.

Larijani's death marks a major escalation in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict that ignited after Khamenei's February 2026 assassination, with Russia criticizing the attacks as violations of international norms. As builder and operator of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, Moscow has deepened military ties, sharing intelligence and drone tech amid Tehran's retaliatory strikes.

Also Read: Iran Confirms Security Chief Ali Larijani Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Son Also Dead

Peskov's words echo President Vladimir Putin's prior denunciation of Khamenei's killing as "cynical murder," though Russia has stopped short of direct intervention, urging ceasefires and talks. Iranian Army Chief Amir Hatami vowed "decisive" revenge, while Tehran struck Tel Aviv with cluster warheads in response.

The condemnation highlights Russia's strategic alignment with Iran against Western pressure, including expanded cooperation post-Syria and Venezuela setbacks for Moscow. It risks further polarizing global responses, with allies like China likely to echo similar outrage.

As Middle East hostilities intensify—featuring US strikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz—Russia's rhetoric underscores its role as Tehran's key backer amid nuclear and proxy tensions.

Also Read: Israel Strikes Central Beirut Without Warning, Killing at Least Six in Residential Areas