By Our Reporter

Tehran : Iran’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed barely an hour after allegedly assuming office as the country’s new leader.

According to Iranian state media, Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday in what officials described as U.S.-Israeli attacks. Subsequent reports claimed that his son and presumed successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, also died shortly after taking over leadership.

Unverified accounts circulating in regional media allege that the operation involved a joint strike by the United States and Israel. Additional claims suggest the use of cyanide, a chemical agent, in the attack. However, independent confirmation of these allegations remains unavailable at the time of publication.

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned the reported killing, describing it as a “blatant violation of human moral principles and international law.” In remarks released on Sunday, Putin expressed deep condolences to the Iranian government and people, stating that Khamenei would be remembered in Russia as an outstanding statesman who elevated bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Kremlin further indicated that condolences had been conveyed to the family of the late Iranian leader and to officials in Tehran. Russia and Iran have maintained close diplomatic and strategic ties in recent years, particularly in areas of defense cooperation and regional security.

The United States and Israel had not issued official statements confirming involvement in the reported strike by press time. International observers warn that if verified, the incident could significantly escalate tensions in the Middle East and trigger broader geopolitical consequences.

Security analysts say the sudden loss of both a sitting Supreme Leader and his reported successor would mark an unprecedented moment in Iran’s modern history, raising urgent questions about constitutional succession and political stability within the Islamic Republic.

Further developments are expected as more details emerge.