Reactions from Russia and China to Ali Larijani's Assassination by Israel
Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian politician serving as Iran’s Security Chief, was killed in a United States (US)-Israel attack. Larijani is reported to have been assassinated by Israel while visiting his daughter.
This has prompted reactions from Russia and China on Thursday (19/3/2026). Both countries condemned the deadly attack on one of Iran’s most influential figures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences. The message of sympathy was conveyed by Putin to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
For Putin, the close advisor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a friend. Putin described Larijani as a true friend of Russia, having contributed to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran.
“Accept our deepest condolences on the death of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Larijani,” Putin said in a message addressed to Khamenei, published by Iran’s official broadcaster IRIB, according to Russian news media, including the state news agency Tass, as reported by Anadolu on Thursday (19/3/2026).
China Condemns Israel’s Attack
China also condemned the murder of Larijani in an Israeli airstrike. China views the killing of several Iranian state leaders as an unacceptable act.
Cited by AFP on Thursday (19/3), Beijing is a close partner of Iran but has also criticised Tehran’s attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases.
“We have always opposed the use of violence in international relations. The act of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets is even more unacceptable,” said spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, in a press conference when asked about Larijani’s death.
His side has sought to mediate the war, with its special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, meeting high-level officials across the region this month.
“China urges the relevant parties to immediately cease military operations and prevent the regional situation from spiralling out of control,” Lin said.
Iran’s semi-official news agency Fars reported on Tuesday (17/3) that Larijani died at the age of 67. The US-Israel launched an airstrike while Larijani was visiting his daughter on the eastern outskirts of Tehran City.