As war talk grows, Putin refuses to discuss Khamenei assassination rumours

Russian President Vladimir Putin, as of Thursday, June 19, 2025, has declined to address rumors that Israel or the United States might be planning to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rather, he reiterated his call for a political solution to the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel.

During a session with international journalists at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin responded cautiously when asked directly about the possibility of an attack on Khamenei.

“If I may, I think this is the most appropriate answer: I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility.

“I have no desire to,” Putin stated firmly.

His remarks come in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning earlier in the week that the ongoing conflict could ultimately result in regime change in Iran.

Israel’s military campaign has intensified, with its forces reportedly targeting senior Iranian military officers and top nuclear experts.

According to a U.S.-based Iranian human rights organization, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 585 people since the previous Friday, 239 of them civilians.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Washington is aware of Ayatollah Khamenei’s whereabouts.

While he stated that the United States is not currently planning to act, Trump did not entirely rule out future American involvement alongside Israel’s military efforts in Iran.

Despite these escalating threats, Putin insisted that the Iranian public remains largely supportive of its leadership, asserting that external pressure has not fractured internal unity.

“Even with all the complexities of Iran’s internal politics, we observe a clear consolidation of society around the current leadership,” he noted.

In recent days, the Russian president has attempted to position himself as a potential mediator in the crisis, even as global leaders such as Trump remain skeptical due to Moscow’s historically close relationship with Tehran.

Nevertheless, Putin emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomacy, stressing that any solution must carefully balance Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development with Israel’s demand for guaranteed security.

“This is a very delicate matter, and we must act with caution. But I do believe that a solution is achievable,” he said.

He also confirmed that Russia has not supplied weapons to Iran, despite the strategic partnership agreement both countries signed in January 2025.

However, Russia continues to support Iran’s nuclear energy programme, which Tehran insists is exclusively for civilian purposes.

While Iran maintains that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, Israel argues otherwise, claiming that Iran is on the path to building a bomb – a claim Tehran denies.

Putin also addressed the status of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in light of recent Israeli strikes.

According to him, key underground nuclear facilities remain operational and undamaged.

“These underground facilities—yes, they still exist.

“Nothing has happened to them,” he said, signaling that Israel’s bombardments have not crippled Iran’s nuclear activities.

Additionally, Putin confirmed that over 200 Russian nationals are currently working at the Russian-constructed Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran.

He reassured journalists that their safety is guaranteed, noting that Russia had reached an understanding with Israeli authorities to protect the lives of Russian personnel stationed there.

“We have coordinated with Israeli leadership to ensure the safety of our experts in Bushehr,” he said.

As tensions continue to mount in the Middle East, Putin remains steadfast in advocating a diplomatic path forward, even as other world powers increase their military posturing.

His comments reflect Moscow’s effort to balance its strategic ties with Iran while seeking to reassure Israel of its security concerns.

Putin’s proposals have so far been met with hesitation or rejection by Western leaders.

On the other hand, he appears determined to continue playing a mediatory role, arguing that escalation can still be avoided, if all parties show restraint and a willingness to negotiate.

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