Russian President Vladimir Putin said he received a message last week from Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been heard from in public since being declared his father's successor more than six weeks ago.
"Please convey to the Supreme Leader my appreciation for his message and my best wishes for health and well-being," Putin said on Monday during a meeting in St. Petersburg with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a Kremlin statement.
"We see how bravely and heroically the Iranian people are fighting for their independence and sovereignty ," Putin said, adding that Russia will do everything in their interests and in the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that this peace is achieved as soon as possible.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran welcomed Russia's support for diplomatic de-escalation efforts, while underlining the "stability and depth" of bilateral relations.
"We are pleased to be cooperating with Russia at the highest level, at a time when the region is going through significant turmoil. Recent events have highlighted the depth and momentum of our strategic cooperation. As our relations continue to strengthen, we express our gratitude for solidarity and welcome Russia's support for diplomacy ," the Iranian Foreign Minister said.
Questions about Khamenei's health and true power have been heightened by his prolonged absence as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues.
A source told CNN last month that Khamenei was wounded in the same wave of attacks that killed his father and top Iranian military commanders.
Marco Rubio said Monday that the United States "has indications" that Khamenei is still alive, although he noted that it is not clear how much credibility the new supreme leader has within Iran.
"We have no proof that he is not alive. I think the question of whether he is alive and whether he is in power are two different questions ," he said in an interview with Fox News.
Another Reuters report, citing anonymous sources, said Khamenei is participating in meetings with senior officials via audio conference and is involved in decision-making on major issues, including the war and new negotiations with Washington.
