Beijing Warns Against Threats to Iran’s New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Beijing Warns Against Threats to Iran’s New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

China has expressed support for the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader, describing the leadership transition as an internal decision of Iran and warning against threats to the newly appointed leader.

Speaking on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing respects Iran’s political process and opposes any form of foreign interference in the country’s domestic affairs.

According to Guo, the decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to the late Ali Khamenei was carried out in accordance with Iran’s constitution.

“China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” Guo said while responding to questions about threats reportedly directed at the new leader.

The comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after Israel reportedly vowed to target any successor to the late Iranian leader following his death during a wave of military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States earlier this month.

Iranian state media confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late supreme leader, was selected as Iran’s new top authority following a vote by the Assembly of Experts, the influential clerical body responsible for appointing the country’s highest political and religious authority.

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The 56-year-old cleric has long been viewed as an influential figure behind the scenes in Iranian politics. In recent years, he has developed close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which plays a central role in Iran’s security and regional military operations.

His appointment came just days after reports emerged that his father, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in coordinated strikes during the opening phase of the intensifying confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States.

Prior to the official announcement, Assembly of Experts member Hosseinali Eshkevari hinted that the leadership transition had already been concluded. In a video widely circulated by Iranian media, he said the decision had been finalized and would soon be formally announced.

“The name of Khamenei will continue,” he said, adding that the vote to select the new leader had already been cast.

Under Iran’s political system established after the Iranian Revolution, the supreme leader holds the highest authority in the country, exercising ultimate control over the military, judiciary and major national policies while sitting above the president and parliament.

However, Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation has sparked debate among political analysts and observers, with some critics arguing that the development resembles a hereditary transfer of power similar to the monarchy that ruled Iran before the revolution.

The leadership transition is unfolding at a time of heightened regional conflict. Israel and the United States have continued to strike Iranian targets, while Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and Gulf states hosting American forces, raising fears of a broader Middle East war.

Beijing Warns Against Threats to Iran’s New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei