By DAYO ADESULU
China has declared that it opposes any attempt to target Iran’s new supreme leader, following Tehran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
Speaking in Beijing on Monday, China’s foreign ministry said the appointment of the new Iranian leader is an internal matter for Iran and warned against interference by foreign powers.
The statement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East after Israel reportedly threatened to target any successor to the slain Iranian leader during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Beijing Calls for Respect for Iran’s Sovereignty
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that Beijing respects Iran’s political decisions and expects other countries to do the same.
According to him, Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei was made in accordance with its constitutional framework.
“China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext,” the spokesman said, stressing that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected.
The Chinese government also warned that targeting Iran’s new leadership could further destabilize an already volatile region.
Leadership Change After Death of Ali Khamenei
The controversy surrounding the new Iranian leadership emerged after the death of long-time supreme leader Ali Khamenei during the early phase of the ongoing war involving Iran and its adversaries.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts later named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader.
The decision drew immediate global reactions.
While some governments questioned the move, China quickly framed the appointment as a sovereign decision by Iran’s leadership structure.
Beijing has long maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran, particularly in energy cooperation and regional diplomacy.
Rising Tensions Between Iran, Israel and the US
China’s comments come at a time when military confrontation between Iran and its rivals has intensified.
Israeli officials have warned that any future Iranian leader could become a potential target, especially if Tehran continues missile and drone attacks in the region.
At the same time, the United States and Israel have reportedly continued airstrikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran has responded with retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and Gulf states hosting American forces.
These developments have raised fears that the conflict could widen into a larger regional war.
China Urges De-escalation
Beyond defending Iran’s sovereignty, China has also urged all sides involved in the conflict to reduce tensions.
Chinese officials say continued military escalation risks threatening regional stability, energy security and global trade routes, especially around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Beijing has therefore called on all parties to halt military operations and return to diplomacy.
Analysts say China’s stance reflects both its strategic partnership with Iran and its broader interest in preventing disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies, which remain vital to its economy.
Global Attention on Iran’s New Leadership
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei marks a significant moment in Iran’s political history.
For decades, the country’s leadership structure avoided anything resembling hereditary succession.
However, the sudden death of the former leader and the ongoing regional conflict appear to have accelerated the decision to elevate his son to the country’s highest religious and political authority.
As tensions continue to rise, global powers—including China, the United States, and Russia—are closely watching how the new Iranian leadership will shape the next phase of the Middle East crisis.
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