World Reacts to Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's New Supreme Leader

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has never held a formal position in the government. However, his appointment as the successor to his late father amidst the US-Israeli war in the country was not unexpected, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The Assembly of Experts in Iran appointed the 56-year-old mid-level religious scholar to the position on Sunday, just over a week after the passing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli attack.

Khamenei, who maintains strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and his late father's office, is seen as a hardliner who will provide continuity.

Following the loss of his father, mother, wife, son, and sister in the attacks, his appointment is interpreted as a daring choice signifying resilience as the Islamic Republic faces the gravest crisis in its 47-year history.

Khamenei immediately received support from Iran's political and security apparatus, including IRGC leaders, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

International Reactions

Oman

Oman mediated recent talks between Iran and the United States, which collapsed as the U.S. and Israel launched their war last month. Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said sent a "congratulatory message" to Khamenei on his appointment, according to the Oman News Agency.

Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also congratulated Khamenei on Monday. "We express our confidence in the ability of the new leadership in the Islamic Republic of Iran to manage this sensitive stage, and continue to strengthen the unity of the Iranian people in facing the current challenges," al-Sudani said in a statement.

He reaffirmed Iraq's solidarity with Iran and all steps aimed at ending the conflict and rejecting military operations against its sovereignty.

United States

U.S. President Donald Trump previously dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as "a lightweight," insisting he should have a say in the appointment—a demand rejected by Tehran.

On Monday, Trump told NBC News, "I think they made a big mistake. I don’t know if it’s going to last. I think they made a mistake." He later told CBS News, "I have no message," adding he has someone else in mind to lead Iran without further explanation.

Israel

The Israeli military has threatened to kill anyone who replaces the late Ali Khamenei. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday as a "tyrant" who will continue the "regime’s brutality."

In a post on X featuring images of both Khameneis holding weapons, the ministry wrote: "Mojtaba Khamenei. Like Father Like Son. Another tyrant to continue the Iranian regime’s brutality."

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised "unwavering support" to Iran on Monday. "I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends," Putin said in a message to Khamenei, adding that "Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner." He noted that the term would require "great courage and dedication" as Iran faces armed aggression.

China

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters that Iran's decision was "based on its constitution."

"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 criticized the killing of the former leader, but it has also criticized Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states.

Yemen's Houthis

Yemen's Houthi rebels welcomed the appointment on Monday. "We congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and people, on the selection of Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at this important and pivotal juncture," the group stated on Telegram, calling the selection "a resounding blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic."

Read: Iran IRGC Warns of Energy War After US-Israel Strikes

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