China on Monday described Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader following the killing of his father as an internal matter, while warning against any attempt to target the new leader.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the leadership transition in Iran was purely a domestic affair that should be respected by the international community.
According to the spokesperson, China opposes any form of external interference in Iran’s internal politics and stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Middle Eastern nation must be upheld.
The statement came amid rising tensions in the region following reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had assumed the powerful position after his father was reportedly killed in recent attacks linked to the escalating confrontation between Iran and the United States and its allies.
China maintained that it respects the Iranian people’s right to determine their own political leadership and governance structure.
“China believes that the choice of Iran’s leadership is a matter for the Iranian people,” the spokesperson said, adding that Beijing would continue to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.
Beijing also cautioned against actions that could further destabilise the already volatile region, urging all parties involved in the ongoing tensions to exercise restraint.
China and Iran have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations over the years, particularly in the areas of energy cooperation and infrastructure development.
Both countries are also signatories to a long-term strategic partnership agreement aimed at deepening trade and investment ties.
Analysts say China’s swift reaction signals its desire to maintain strong ties with Tehran while discouraging any escalation that could threaten regional stability or global energy supplies.
The development comes as tensions between Iran and Western powers continue to escalate following a series of military exchanges and attacks on strategic targets across the Middle East.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, amid concerns that the leadership transition in Iran could further reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
