Pakistan Joins Russia, Oman In Welcoming Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 19:16 IST

Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed condolences over the death of his father and hoped that the new Iranian leader would guide the country towards peace.

Pakistan became the latest country to congratulate Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran’s new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed condolences over the death of his father and hoped that the new Iranian leader would guide the country towards peace and stability. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

“I congratulate His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I also reiterate deepest condolences and prayers on behalf of the people of Pakistan on the martyrdom of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members. I am confident that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability and prosperity, in the years ahead," Sharif said on X.

Russia, Oman Welcome Mojtaba Khamenei

The clerical leadership of Iran chose Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Iranian Supreme Leader, in direct defiance of US President Donald Trump, who said he was “not happy" with the choice and demanded a say in Iran’s leadership. However, several countries welcomed Mojtaba’s succession.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday pledged “unwavering support" to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, adding that “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner" to Iran. “At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication," Putin said.

ALSO READ: ‘Unwavering Support’: Putin Backs Mojtaba Khamenei After Trump Says Iran Leader ‘Won’t Last Long’

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Iran’s decision to appoint the younger Khamenei was “based on its constitution" and opposed any attempts to target him. Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also congratulated Mojtaba on the appointment.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani welcomed the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader. “We express our confidence in the ability of the new leadership in the Islamic Republic of Iran to manage this critical stage," he said.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and said he hoped the two countries would deepen relations “in a spirit of mutual respect and trust."

Israel’s military has threatened to target any successor to Ali Khamenei. Israel’s foreign ministry on Monday said the new supreme leader was a “tyrant" like his slain father, and would continue what it described as the Iranian “regime’s brutality".

Trump has declared Mojtaba “unacceptable", demanding a say in choosing Iran’s next leader. On Sunday, he said the new Iranian leader “won’t last long" without his approval.

READ MORE: Trump Says Iran War ‘Pretty Much’ Over, US Considering Replacement For Mojtaba Khamenei

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