China Backs Iran’s Appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, Urges Respect for Sovereignty

March 2026 : China has expressed support for Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei. Beijing described the move as an internal matter for Iran and warned against any foreign interference or threats targeting the newly appointed leader.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaqun said the leadership transition in Iran was carried out according to the country’s constitutional framework. He stressed that the international community should respect Iran’s sovereignty and avoid interfering in its domestic affairs.

“Iran’s decision to appoint its new leader is based on its constitution,” Guo said. “China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected.”

Beijing’s statement came amid rising tensions in the region after Israel reportedly warned that it could target any successor to Ali Khamenei. The former Iranian leader was killed during the first wave of coordinated military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory more than a week ago. The attacks have significantly escalated tensions between Iran and its regional rivals.

In the days since the strikes, both United States and Israel have continued military operations against Iranian targets. Iran, in response, has launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks aimed at Gulf nations that host American and Israeli military bases, further intensifying the regional conflict.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin also extended his support to Iran’s new leader. According to a statement released by the Kremlin, the Russian president congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the leadership of the Islamic Republic.

Putin expressed confidence that the new leader would continue his father’s legacy and guide the country through challenging times. “I am confident that you will continue your father’s work with honor and unite the Iranian people during difficult circumstances,” the Russian leader said in his message.

He further reiterated Moscow’s strong backing for Tehran, stating that Russia remains committed to maintaining solidarity with Iran. “We reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and our solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin added.

Earlier, during a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin conveyed his condolences over the assassination of Ali Khamenei. The call also acknowledged the deaths of several Iranian political and military figures as well as civilians during the recent attacks.

According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized the need for an immediate end to hostilities in the region. He reiterated Russia’s position that disputes in the Middle East should be resolved through diplomacy rather than military force.

Iran officially announced on Monday that Mojtaba Khamenei would assume the country’s highest leadership role. Born in 1969 in the city of Mashhad, Mojtaba is one of six children of the late Ali Khamenei and has long been considered an influential figure within Iran’s political and religious establishment.