Putin pledges unwavering support to Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new leader, the Kremlin said.

Putin said he was confident that Khamenei would continue the work of his father, Ali Khamenei, “with honour” and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.

He also reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Tehran, saying Russia would continue to stand by Iran and expressing “unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”

 Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of slain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader, signalling that hardline leadership will remain firmly in place as the conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies.

The decision was announced early Monday after a vote by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s supreme leader. The role carries sweeping authority over Iran’s political system, armed forces and key state institutions.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric known for his influence within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and networks of political and economic power built during his father’s tenure, had long been considered a leading contender for the position.

His appointment comes days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes during the opening phase of the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States and Israel.

Leadership transition amid escalating conflict

Iranian state media reported that senior commanders of the country’s armed forces had pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei shortly after the announcement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also declared its readiness to follow the new leader.

Iranian officials framed the appointment as a move aimed at maintaining unity during a period of heightened security threats. Authorities said the Assembly of Experts convened despite concerns that the gathering itself could be targeted.

The leadership change occurs against the backdrop of an expanding military campaign that has seen repeated strikes on Iranian territory and retaliatory attacks across the region.

U.S. officials said a seventh American service member had died from injuries sustained during Iran’s early retaliatory strikes following the initial attacks.