Global Reaction as Mojtaba Khamenei Officially Becomes Iran's New Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei has officially become the new Supreme Leader of Iran. The Iranian Leadership Experts Assembly has appointed the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son on Monday local time.
Mojtaba was elected after securing more than 85% of the Assembly’s votes. The election follows Articles 107 and 108 of Iran’s Islamic Republic Constitution for an eight-year term.
“Imam Khamenei’s martyred path will continue under the name Khamenei,” said Hosseinali Eshkevari, an Assembly member, according to AFP.
The appointment has triggered global reactions.
Trump
US President Donald Trump told the New York Post that he is “not happy” with Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment to replace his father. He made the statement when questioned by journalists at his Doral golf club near Miami.
“I’m not going to tell you. I’m not happy with it,” Trump said.
Israel
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is a “tyrant” like his slain father. Israel said he will continue what it described as the “brutality of Iran’s regime”.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted on X showing images of Mojtaba Khamenei and his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding weapons. The ministry wrote: “Mojtaba Khamenei. Like Father Like Son”.
“Mojtaba Khamenei’s hands are stained with blood, characteristic of his father’s government,” Israel claimed, according to AFP.
“Another tyrant who will continue the brutality of Iran’s regime,” it added.
Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged “unwavering support” for Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He delivered a special message amid ongoing conflict.
“I wish to reiterate our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in a message to Khamenei, adding that “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner” for Iran, according to AFP.
“At a time when Iran faces armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will certainly require great courage and dedication,” said the Russian leader.
China
China expressed support for Mojtaba Khamenei. The country opposed any attempts to target Iran’s new Supreme Leader, following threats by Israel’s military against the successor to slain Ali Khamenei.
“China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a press conference.
Oman
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. This was reported by Oman’s news agency.
“His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, may Allah protect and preserve him, has sent a congratulatory telegram to His Majesty Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the news agency said.
Oman has served as a mediator in recent talks between Iran and the United States. However, those talks failed during the conflict triggered by a joint US-Israeli assault on Iran, which began on 28 February.
Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also congratulated Khamenei on his appointment on Monday. He reaffirmed Iraq’s solidarity and support for Iran and “all steps aimed at ending the conflict and rejecting military operations against its sovereignty, to maintain the stability of other countries in the region”.
“We affirm our belief in the capability of the new leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran to manage this sensitive phase, and to continue strengthening the unity of the Iranian people in facing current challenges,” al-Sudani said in a statement, according to Al-Jazeera.
Hezbollah
Hezbollah welcomed Mojtaba Khamenei’s election as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. The Lebanese group reaffirmed its loyalty following the death of his predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli attack.
“We in Hezbollah convey our warmest congratulations and blessings on this occasion. We renew our pledge of loyalty to this blessed approach and our steadfastness in the path of loyalty,” the group said in a statement.
Hezbollah entered the Middle East conflict a week ago by attacking Israel in response to Ali Khamenei’s assassination. Lebanon itself is now being bombed by Israel, with the government saying the war has brought the country close to collapse.
Yemen Houthis
Yemen’s Houthis welcomed the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei. The Yemeni rebel group described it as a major blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic amid its conflict with America and Israel.
“We congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and people, on the election of Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at this important and crucial time,” the group said in a statement on Telegram.
“A new victory for the Islamic Revolution and a strong blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic,” it said.