Vladimir Putin has congratulated the new Supreme Leader of Iran with a statement that risks infuriating Donald Trump. The Russian leader sent a congratulatory message to Iran’s Supreme Leader-elect Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirming his continued support and solidarity with Tehran.

A statement posted on the Kremlin’s website on Monday read: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.” The statement, signed off by Putin himself, also reiterated Russia‘s “unwavering support” for Tehran and expressed solidarity with its “Iranian friends”. The leader confirmed that Russia has been, and will remain, a “reliable partner of the Islamic Republic”.

Iran selected a new Supreme Leader on Sunday after its predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an airstrike last week.

State media has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Since Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli operation, Mojtaba, 56, emerged as a favourite to succeed him.

He has strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which pressured the Assembly of Experts to select him, according to Iran International

Despite the connection to the military branch, he is not a high-ranking cleric and has never held an official role in the regime. He did, however, serve in the Iranian armed forces during the war with Israel.

The message of support follows reports that Russia has been feeding intelligence to Iran to help it strike US warships.

The country was accused of providing Iran with targeting information to hit US forces in the Middle East.

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Three officials with intelligence claimed Moscow passed Iran the locations of American military assets, including warships and aircraft.

Speaking to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity, one of them said: “It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort.”

The Post reported that it’s the first suggestion that another major military adversary of the US is participating in the conflict however Russia’s assistance, if any, isn’t entirely clear.

China, also a powerful backer of Iran, didn’t appear to be helping Tehran defend itself, according to two of the officials.

Previously Russia did brand the military campaign against Iran an “unprovoked act of armed aggression”, and called for it to end.

US President Donald Trump recently berated a reporter for raising the possibility of Russian involvement at a White House meeting about how paying student-athletes has recalibrated college sports, adding: “What a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said Russian intelligence “clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them”.