Mojtaba Khamenei
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei on his recent appointment as Supreme Leader of Iran.
In his message, Putin noted that under the current conditions of armed aggression, Iran will require significant courage and dedication to face new challenges. He expressed confidence that Khamenei would continue his father's work with dignity and unite the Iranian people in difficult times.
Additionally, Putin emphasized Russia's "stable support" for Tehran and expressed "solidarity with Iranian allies." "Russia has always been and will remain a reliable partner of the Islamic Republic," the congratulatory letter stated.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who is 56 years old, is the second son of Ali Khamenei, the previous Supreme Leader of Iran, who was killed on February 28 as a result of an Israeli airstrike during a joint operation with the United States. On March 9, Iranian news agencies reported Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment to the new position. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged its loyalty to him, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described this appointment as a step towards strengthening the unity of the Islamic nation.
Earlier, Donald Trump expressed his intention to participate in the selection of the new Supreme Leader of Iran and voiced his dissatisfaction with the possibility of someone continuing Ali Khamenei's policies being elected. On the eve of Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment, Trump stated in an interview with ABC News that the new leader must earn the approval of the United States; otherwise, his term in office would be short. According to Brian Kilmeade from Fox News, Trump expressed his discontent regarding the choice of Mojtaba Khamenei.
