Iraqi leaders emphasized Iraq-Iran solidarity following Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani extended congratulations to the incoming leader.
Sudani welcomed Mojtaba Khamenei as he succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike last month. He offered condolences for the slain leader and his family.
“I extend congratulations and blessings to Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Supreme Leader of Iran.” He reaffirmed Iraq-Iran solidarity, calling for support of all efforts to halt conflict and protect regional stability.
The announcement drew swift reactions from armed groups aligned with Iran’s Axis of Resistance. Leaders such as Qais al-Khazali of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq praised Mojtaba Khamenei as a continuation of defending the Ummah and supporting the oppressed.
Akram al-Kaabi of Hezbollah al-Nujaba pledged loyalty to the new leader, saying the Axis of Resistance would follow Mojtaba Khamenei as it did his father. Abu Ala al-Walai of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the persistence of Wilayat al-Faqih.
Wilayat al-Faqih, the Guardianship of the Jurist, forms the foundation of Iran’s political-religious structure. Under this principle, authority over the state belongs to the most qualified Islamic jurist in the absence of the Twelfth Shiite Imam. Mojtaba Khamenei now holds this dual role as political leader and religious guardian.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the appointment. He described the decision as “a big mistake” and warned that Mojtaba Khamenei “is not going to last long” without Washington’s approval. Despite Trump’s opposition, Iraq-Iran solidarity remains strong among Baghdad officials and pro-Iran groups.
Jaafar al-Husseini, spokesperson for Kata’ib Hezbollah, reaffirmed that Iraqi factions would continue the path led by Ali Khamenei. These groups, some believed linked to recent attacks on U.S. targets in the Kurdistan Region, expressed continued allegiance to the new supreme leader.
Overall, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment highlights deep political and religious ties between Iraq and Iran. Iraqi leaders and allied groups continue to emphasize Iraq-Iran solidarity as essential for regional stability and unity.
