Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on appointment as Iran’s new leader, pledges 'unwavering' support

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, offering his “unwavering support” for Tehran as the country faces a deepening regional conflict.The leadership change followed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes last week.Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for choosing the country’s top leader, announced the decision shortly after midnight on Monday.

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Mojtaba Khamenei had long been viewed as a potential successor despite holding no formal government office. He was selected over other contenders including cleric Alireza Arafi, hardliner Mohsen Araki and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Iran’s revolutionary founder.