TEL AVIV — Russia has issued sharp condemnation of Israel's targeted assassination of Iranian Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani, escalating diplomatic tensions following the precision strike that eliminated a key figure in Tehran's security apparatus.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov delivered Moscow's harshest criticism yet of Israeli operations against Iranian leadership during Wednesday press briefings. Peskov characterized the killing as state-sponsored murder, arguing that such actions violate international norms governing sovereign nations. The Russian position marks a significant diplomatic intervention in the shadow war between Israel and Iran.

Iranian authorities confirmed Larijani's death Tuesday following what sources describe as a sophisticated intelligence operation targeting Tehran's national security establishment. The 69-year-old former parliamentary speaker had served as the Supreme National Security Council's chief architect since 2021, overseeing Iran's regional proxy networks and nuclear policy coordination. "This represents a devastating blow to Iran's security infrastructure," said Dr. Michael Eisenstadt, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Moscow's vocal opposition reflects broader concerns about Israeli military operations affecting Russian interests across the Middle East. Tehran and Moscow have deepened security cooperation since 2022, with Iran supplying military equipment for Russia's operations in Ukraine. "Russia views attacks on Iranian leadership as direct challenges to its regional partnerships," explained Professor Dmitri Trenin, former director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. The diplomatic fallout could complicate Israeli operations as Tehran seeks international backing for retaliation measures.