China calls Iran's appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei an internal matter

Mar 09, 2026

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had taken note of media reports about the leadership change in Iran. He emphasised that the decision regarding Iran's top leadership was made internally and in accordance with the country's legal framework.

"This is a decision by the Iranian side based on its constitution," he said.

The spokesperson added that Beijing does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and believes Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. According to Chinese officials, leadership changes within Iran fall under the jurisdiction of the country's political and religious institutions and should not be subject to outside pressure or intervention, as per China Daily.

Iran's Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday. The 56-year-old cleric is the son of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during recent military strikes amid an escalating regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The leadership transition marks a significant moment in Iran's political history, as Mojtaba Khamenei becomes the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.

China's statement also comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with Israel reportedly warning that it could target any successor to the late Iranian leader. Responding to those threats, Guo reiterated Beijing's opposition to actions that could further destabilise the region.

"China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected," he said.

Beijing has maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran and has often called for dialogue and restraint in regional conflicts. Its latest remarks signal a continuation of China's long-standing policy of non-interference while acknowledging the leadership transition in Iran.

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty across the Middle East.

China has not offered further comment on the political implications of the decision, limiting its response to reiterating that the matter remains an internal affair for Iran.

Russia and China pledge support to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid ongoing war

Mar 9, 2026

Russia and China signalled support for Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday as regional tensions continued to escalate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram praising Khamenei’s appointment and reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to Tehran.

"Now, when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your work in this high office will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am confident that you will honourably continue your father's work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials," a Kremlin statement said.

Putin expressed confidence that Khamenei would continue the path established by his father, the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

"For my part, I would like to confirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends. Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner of the Islamic Republic. I wish you success in solving the difficult tasks ahead of you, as well as good health and strength of spirit," it said.

Against interference, says China

China acknowledged Iran’s leadership change on Monday, saying the appointment followed constitutional procedures and was carried out in “accordance with the country’s constitution.”

Beijing also opposed any targeting of the 56-year-old cleric who assumed the post.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China rejects any external interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

He was responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said the new Iranian leader “won’t last long” without his administration’s “approval.”

Guo called for respect for Iran’s sovereignty and urged an immediate end to the conflict alongside renewed diplomatic dialogue.

US-Israel war on Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric with close ties to Iran’s powerful security establishment, became the country’s third supreme leader.

He was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member constitutional body responsible for selecting the nation’s highest political authority.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the appointment as a step aimed at strengthening national unity during a turbulent period.

The leadership transition followed the death of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba’s father who ruled Iran for 37 years before being killed in a February 28 air strike.

The strike, carried out by the United States and Israel, targeted his residence in Tehran and killed the 86-year-old leader.

Since then, a broad military confrontation has unfolded between Iran, Israel and the United States across the region.

Israel and the US attacks have killed more than 1,250 Iranians during the ongoing campaign, including civilians and schoolchildren.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting American military facilities.

China criticizes Trump’s comment on Iran’s leader Mojtaba Khamenei

March 9, 2026
Wale Odunsi

In response to President Donald Trump’s reaction to the emergence of Mojtaba Khamenei in Iran, China has advised leaders and nations to abstain from meddling in the decisions of others.

On Sunday, Trump stated that the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader would need to get an endorsement from the United States government.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” the President told ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China “opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext,” adding that Mojtaba’s appointment was in line with Iran’s constitution.

Beijing demands respect for Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, urging an immediate end to the military operations, a return to dialogue and negotiations, and easing of tensions.

In a congratulatory message to Mojtaba, President Vladimir Putin assured the successor of Russia’s solidarity and support, charging him to lead with “great courage and dedication.”

Born in 1969 in Mashhad, about 10 years before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Mojtaba studied at the Islamic Seminary of Qom, where he established relationships with religious leadership.

His family moved to Tehran after the fall of the Shah. Mojtaba gradually became an influential figure after his father took power in 1989, ruling for 37 years until he died in the joint U.S.-Israel strikes last weekend.