PAKISTAN CONGRATULATES MOJTABA KHAMENEI AS IRAN'S NEW SUPREME LEADER

NEW DELHI, March 10 (Bernama) -- Pakistan has welcomed the appointment of Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the US-Israeli attacks on Iran continues.

"I congratulate His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I also reiterate deepest condolences and prayers on behalf of the people of Pakistan on the martyrdom of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members," Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X on Tuesday.

"I am confident that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability and prosperity, in the years ahead," he said.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several Iranian top leaders were assassinated in the US-Israel attack on February 28.

Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, was chosen by Iran's Assembly of Experts on Sunday to be the new supreme leader.

Russia, Iraq and Oman were among the countries that have already congratulated him.

"Today, as Iran is opposing an armed aggression, your work in this high post will certainly require immense courage and selflessness. I am confident that you will continue your father's work with honour and consolidate the Iranian people in the face of harsh ordeals," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement on Monday.

Khamenei enjoys the backing of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

-- BERNAMA