U.S.-Israel strike kills Iran’s leader; Putin urges peace, backs Iran’s sovereignty amid rising tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned a U.S.-Israel strike on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials, calling it a violation of international law. In a March 6-7 call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin urged an immediate end to hostilities, rejected the use of force, and called for diplomatic solutions. He emphasized Russia’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and ongoing coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders. Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its solidarity and provided updates on the conflict, which has seen retaliatory attacks by Iran and expanded Israeli operations into Lebanon. Regional tensions have disrupted travel and oil shipments.