Moscow, Mar 2: Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli airstrike in Tehran, calling it a “cynical violation” of human morality and international law.
In a condolence message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin denounced the assassination and expressed sympathies. Russia also labeled the joint strikes an “unprovoked” and “pre-planned” act of aggression against a sovereign UN member state, urging an immediate return to diplomacy.
Putin convened an emergency Security Council meeting to address the crisis. Meanwhile, airspace closures across Iran and Gulf states have left over 200,000 Russians stranded, disrupting tourism and business travel across the Middle East.
Qatar condemned Iran’s drone attacks on Oman’s Duqm commercial port and an oil tanker offshore, calling them a violation of Omani sovereignty and an “unacceptable escalation.”
In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed full solidarity with Oman and backed measures to safeguard its security and stability.
Doha said targeting Oman was especially concerning given its role as a mediator between Iran and the international community. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari warned that attacking mediators threatens diplomacy and regional stability.
According to Oman News Agency, two drones struck Duqm port, injuring an expatriate worker and landing near fuel storage tanks. Oman denounced the attack and said it was taking necessary steps to protect national safety.