Threatened by Trump, Mojtaba Khamenei Gains Support from Russia and China

The United States, led by President Donald Trump, openly opposes the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader. Trump insists that any newly appointed Iranian leader must receive American approval.

However, Trump’s stance contrasts sharply with that of Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Monday, President Putin pledged to provide unwavering support to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed following the death of his father and predecessor in a US-Israeli airstrike.

“I want to reaffirm once again our unwavering support for Tehran and our solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said in a message to Khamenei.

He added that Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner for Iran.

“At a time when Iran faces armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,” the Russian leader said.

Mojtaba was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts to replace his late father as Supreme Leader, signalling that hardline factions retain full control of power.

The religious institution appointed the mid-level cleric, aged 56, who survived a US-Israeli airstrike on Iran.