Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill calls Iran’s new supreme leader ‘dear brother’, confirms commitment to development of dialogue between Russia and Iran
March 11, 2026
On March 10, 2026, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church sent congratulations to Ayatollah Seyed Mojtabe Hosseini Khamenei on the occasion of his election by the Council of Experts to the post of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Addressing the new leader with the words "Dear brother!", the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia noted that the election is taking place in a dramatic period for Iran.
"You accept responsibility for the state and its citizens in a dramatic period when Iran faces numerous existential challenges," the message says.
Patriarch Kirill also expressed words of empathy in connection with the personal loss that befell Ayatollah Khamenei: "This historical moment was marked by a difficult personal test in connection with the death of your venerable father and loved ones."
The Head of the Russian Church confirmed his commitment to the development of dialogue between Russia and Iran, stressing the importance of cooperation in the protection of traditional values.
"The peoples of our countries are bound by good-neighborly relations. The Russian Orthodox Church supports a fruitful dialogue with the Iranian Islamic community... I hope for its further development," the Patriarch said.
At the end of the message, he wished peace to the new leader of Iran and all the Iranian people. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtabu Khamenei on his election.