Iran's new supreme leader may hold first international contact with Putin, TASS reports

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to hold his first international contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, either by telephone or in person, Iranian sources told Russia's TASS news agency. The sources described Russia as one of Iran's closest partners and said Putin is regarded as a close friend of the Islamic Republic. They added that Khamenei has not been seen in public in recent weeks due to current military conditions and security considerations. According to TASS, the reported outreach would be consistent with the strengthening of Moscow-Tehran ties following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. The sides have continued coordinating on regional and international issues, the agency said.