Putin calls killing of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani ‘tremendous mistake’
The Times of India reported Putin’s remarks on October 2, 2026, describing the Russian president as calling Larijani’s killing a “tremendous mistake” and warning that his death could make Iran’s position on nuclear negotiations tougher.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the reported killing of Iranian security official Ali Larijani as a “tremendous mistake,” warning that his death could further harden Tehran’s position in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Putin made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, where he also praised what he described as the courage, heroism and resilience of the Iranian people.
According to reports by The Times of India and accounts of Putin’s remarks carried by Russian and Iranian media, the Russian president said Larijani was a figure capable of pursuing dialogue and reaching mutually acceptable compromises.
“Mr. Larijani — I knew him personally well — was a very positively minded person, ready to seek mutually acceptable compromises, above all in the interests of the Iranian people,” Putin said, according to reports citing the Russian leader.
Putin argued that, irrespective of legal assessments surrounding the killing, the loss of Larijani could have serious diplomatic consequences because he was someone who could have contributed to negotiations aimed at reducing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
“Besides any legal assessments, this is of course a mistake, because such a person would be needed today to find compromises and solutions that could bring peace to the Persian Gulf,” Putin said, according to reports of his address.
Larijani’s role in nuclear diplomacy
Putin also linked Larijani’s death to the wider dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Russian president recalled that Larijani had travelled to Russia for discussions concerning Iran’s enriched uranium and described him as someone with whom constructive dialogue had been possible.
Putin said Moscow had previously proposed that Iran’s enriched uranium be transferred outside the country as part of an arrangement designed to address concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear activities.
According to Putin, Tehran had at one stage agreed to the Russian proposal, while Washington and Israel had initially accepted the arrangement. He further recalled that Russia had facilitated a similar transfer of Iranian nuclear material in 2015 and said Moscow remained prepared to play a role in any future arrangement.
Putin said the situation subsequently became more difficult after the United States demanded that the material be transferred into American custody, a development he said contributed to Iran adopting a tougher negotiating position.
Putin praises Iranian resilience
Beyond the Larijani issue, Putin used his Valdai appearance to praise the Iranian population amid the continuing confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
“The whole world is closely following what is happening and is amazed at the courage and heroism of the Iranian nation and its resilience,” Putin said, according to Iranian reports of his remarks.
The Russian president also pointed to what he described as Iran’s depth of experienced leadership, referring to senior figures within the country’s administration, armed forces and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Putin’s comments come against the backdrop of continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, the Persian Gulf and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Russian leader has continued to advocate diplomatic engagement and has presented Moscow’s proposal concerning Iran’s enriched uranium as one possible avenue for negotiations.
Wider regional implications
Putin’s intervention places the death of Larijani within the broader diplomatic struggle over the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and efforts to restore stability in the Persian Gulf.
His argument is that the loss of a senior Iranian figure whom he regarded as open to compromise could make negotiations more difficult at a time when diplomatic channels remain important to any potential settlement.
The comments also underline Moscow’s continuing engagement with Tehran as the wider regional confrontation persists.
The Times of India reported Putin’s remarks on October 2, 2026, describing the Russian president as calling Larijani’s killing a “tremendous mistake” and warning that his death could make Iran’s position on nuclear negotiations tougher.
