Several Countries Including Pakistan Welcome Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader

 Pakistan has welcomed the appointment of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, as the conflict involving the United States and Israel continues to escalate in the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the responsibilities of the country’s top leadership position and expressed condolences over the deaths of several members of the Khamenei family during the conflict.

“I congratulate His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Sharif said in a message posted on social media platform X.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan over the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members killed during the ongoing conflict.

Sharif said he was confident that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability and prosperity in the coming years.

“I also reiterate deepest condolences and prayers on behalf of the people of Pakistan on the martyrdom of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members,” Sharif said.

The leadership change in Tehran came after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian leaders were reportedly killed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was subsequently chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts to succeed his father as the country’s Supreme Leader.

The Assembly of Experts, an influential body of clerics, is responsible for appointing and overseeing the Supreme Leader in Iran.

Several countries have already congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the position.

Russia, Iraq and Oman were among the countries that extended their greetings following the leadership transition in Tehran.

Russian officials said the new Supreme Leader would face significant challenges while guiding Iran during a period of conflict and geopolitical tensions.

In a message to the new Iranian leader, Russian officials expressed confidence that Mojtaba Khamenei would continue his father’s policies and strengthen national unity in the face of what they described as external pressure.

The leadership transition in Iran comes at a time when the country is facing escalating military tensions and increasing international scrutiny over its nuclear programme and regional influence.

Observers say the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei signals continuity in Iran’s leadership structure as the country navigates the ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges. [KNT]