Iran’s reclusive new leader may speak with Putin first, TASS reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin could become the first foreign leader to hold direct talks with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, according to an Iranian source cited by Russia's state news agency TASS on Saturday.ianslive+1

"Russia is a country close to us, and His Excellency Vladimir Putin is a close friend of the Islamic Republic," the source told TASS. "Perhaps the first call and the first meeting will be with President Putin".caliber+1

The potential contact — either by phone or in person — would mark Khamenei's first known direct engagement with a foreign head of state since he was appointed Iran's third supreme leader in March, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.npr+2

A Leader in Hiding

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has not appeared in public since taking power, a prolonged absence that has fueled persistent speculation about his health and safety. The Iranian source told TASS that Khamenei will remain out of sight for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing military conflict with the United States and Israel.euronews+3

"His Excellency will not appear in public for the foreseeable future for security reasons. The government is waiting for the situation to return to normal," the source said. Iran's envoy to the United Nations warned in early July that Israel had declared its intention to target Khamenei, urging the Security Council to act.ianslive+1

In May, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had met Khamenei in person for two and a half hours, in the first public confirmation that any senior official had seen the new supreme leader since his appointment, according to Euronews.euronews

Moscow's Outreach

Putin has already taken steps to cultivate ties with the new Iranian leadership. On March 9, he congratulated Khamenei on his appointment and pledged "unwavering support" for Tehran. In late April, Putin acknowledged receiving a message from Khamenei during a meeting in St. Petersburg with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, telling him to convey his "appreciation" and "best wishes for his good health," according to Middle East Eye.yenisafak+2

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Moscow continues contacts with Iranian counterparts despite what he called a new escalation of "American aggression" in the Persian Gulf. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last month calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and subsequent talks were held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.ianslive