Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in the Islamic Republic but has been refraining from public appearances, Russia’s ambassador to Tehran, Alexey Dedov, said in an interview with RTVI.

The Russian ambassador also confirmed that he has “not yet had any contact with the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.”

“At the same time, I would note that Putin was among the first to send a congratulatory telegram to Mojtaba Khamenei, in which he emphasized unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with Iranian friends,” the diplomat added.