Following President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the emergence of Mojtaba Khamenei in Iran, China has issued a strong recommendation for leaders and nations to refrain from interfering in the sovereign decisions of others.
On Sunday, Trump had declared that Iran’s new supreme leader would require an endorsement from the United States government.
“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” the President informed ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China “opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext,” further noting that Mojtaba’s appointment was consistent with Iran’s constitutional framework.
Beijing is advocating for respect for Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, urging an immediate cessation of military operations, a return to diplomatic dialogue and negotiations, and a de-escalation of tensions.
In a message of congratulations to Mojtaba, President Vladimir Putin assured the successor of Russia’s solidarity and support, encouraging him to lead with “great courage and dedication.”
Born in Mashhad in 1969, approximately a decade before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Mojtaba pursued his studies at the Islamic Seminary of Qom, where he forged connections with significant religious leaders.
His family relocated to Tehran after the Shah’s overthrow. Mojtaba gradually rose to become an influential figure after his father assumed power in 1989, ruling for 37 years until his death in the joint U.S.-Israel strikes last weekend.
