Putin has offered “unwavering support” to Iran’s new supreme leader.

The Russian leader congratulated ‌Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday morning following his appointment by the regime’s Assembly of Experts.

Putin said he was confident Khamenei would continue his father’s work “with honour” and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials”.

He ‌added that Russia ⁠would continue to ⁠stand by Tehran, saying he wished to confirm “unwavering support ‌for Tehran and solidarity with ⁠our Iranian ⁠friends”.

The Chinese government has also warned against any targeting of Khamenei by the US-Israeli military campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday that he was working to de-escalate the situation. Overnight, Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said “this is only just the beginning”.

Earlier today, a ballistic missile fired from Iran was shot down by Nato defences in the eastern Mediterranean, according to the Turkish defence ministry.

The incident prompted Mark Rutte, Nato’s secretary-general, to announce that Article 5 was not on the table as fears members could become embroiled in the war.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron has met with Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus. France has a battleship positioned off the island, and will defend Britain’s bases in the absence of Royal Navy ships.