China and Russia Formally Recognize Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Legitimate Leader Following Assembly of Experts Appointment

China and Russia endorse Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the legal leader of Iran, citing constitutional legitimacy and pledging support against external threats.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 4:48 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from ParsToday

Beijing Asserts Constitutional Legitimacy of Iranian Succession

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially recognized the appointment of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the new leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During a press briefing on Monday, spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the election was conducted in strict accordance with Iran's constitution, reinforcing Beijing’s stance on national sovereignty. The spokesperson emphasized that China remains firmly opposed to any external interference in the internal affairs of other nations under any pretext. This diplomatic endorsement serves as a significant bolster for the new administration in Tehran, providing a layer of international legitimacy as the country navigates its first leadership transition in over three decades.

Moscow Pledges Unwavering Support for the New Supreme Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his formal congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, signaling a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two nations. In a personalized message, Putin expressed his confidence that the new leader would "proudly" continue the path established by his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Russian President highlighted the necessity of uniting the Iranian people in the face of what he described as "serious challenges" currently confronting the state. Putin’s rhetoric suggests that the Kremlin views the younger Khamenei as a stabilizing force capable of maintaining the resistance-oriented policies of his predecessor while deepening ties with Moscow.

The Assembly of Experts Navigates a War-Time Transition

The rapid appointment of the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts came as a direct response to the joint military aggression by the United States and Israel. Following the martyrdom of the previous Leader during these strikes, the Assembly convened in an emergency session on Monday to finalize the succession. By introducing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the clerical body aimed to prevent a power vacuum during an active kinetic war. This move was intended to signal to both domestic audiences and foreign adversaries that the foundational institutions of the Islamic Republic remain operational and resilient despite the loss of its long-standing figurehead.