World leaders react to Mojtaba Khameneis' ascension as supreme leader of Iran

Iran's Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader on Monday, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes last week.

The 56-year-old scholar, who has never held a formal government position, is considered a hardliner with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and his father's influential office. Analysts said the appointment signals continuity as Iran confronts what many describe as the most significant crisis in its 47-year history, says Al Jazeera.

Iraq

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed support for the new leader, saying: "We express our confidence in the ability of the new leadership in the Islamic Republic of Iran to manage this sensitive stage, and continue to strengthen the unity of the Iranian people in facing the current challenges." On regional stability, he added that Iraq supports "all steps aimed at ending the conflict and rejecting military operations against its sovereignty, in order to preserve the stability of other countries in the region."

Oman

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said sent a "cable of congratulations" to the new Supreme Leader.

Yemen (Houthis)

The Houthi rebels welcomed the appointment, stating: "We congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and people, on the selection of Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at this important and pivotal juncture." They further described it as "a new victory for the Islamic Revolution and a resounding blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic and the enemies of the nation."

Russia

President Vladimir Putin issued a message of solidarity, saying: "I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends." On the partnership, he added: "Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner." Regarding the challenges ahead, Putin said: "At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication."

China

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun described the appointment as "based on its constitution" and emphasized: "China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected."

United States

President Donald Trump criticized the appointment in interviews, telling NBC News: "I think they made a big mistake. I don't know if it's going to last. I think they made a mistake." Speaking to CBS News, he added: "I have no message for him."

Israel

Israel's Foreign Ministry compared Mojtaba Khamenei to his father, stating on social media: "Mojtaba Khamenei. Like Father Like Son." A formal statement added: "Mojtaba Khamenei's hands are already stained with the bloodshed that defined his father's rule. Another tyrant to continue the Iranian regime's brutality." The Israeli military has also warned it could target any replacement for the late Supreme Leader.

Domestic response in Iran

The new leader received immediate backing from political and security institutions, including the IRGC and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports indicated mixed reactions among the public, with some celebrating the appointment and others remaining in a state of crisis following the strikes that killed the previous leader.

The transition occurs amid an ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran. Saudi Arabia has reportedly intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while the IRGC stated that Iran will determine the outcome of the war. President Trump further threatened to strike Iran "twenty times harder" if oil flows through the Hormuz Strait are obstructed.

Outside the region, Nigerian Shia communities have reportedly focused on mourning the death of the former Supreme Leader during the transition.