Mojtaba Khamenei was elected as Iran's new supreme leader by the Council of Experts on the night of march 8, more than a week after his father, Ali Khamenei, died in US and Israeli airstrikes. On march 9, a series of pro-Iran armed and political groups in Iraq sent messages welcoming the appointment.

Badr, an influential Shiite militia in Iraq, which observers consider the oldest pro-Tehran group in the country, views the new Iranian supreme leader as a "welcome continuation of the path of the Islamic revolution".

The Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement also lauded the decision to choose Mojtaba Khamenei, saying it demonstrates continuity and "strengthens the Islamic Republic of Iran's role as a pillar of the Axis of Resistance".

Ammar al-Hakim, a senior Iraqi politician and moderate cleric, wished Mojtaba Khamenei "success in following the path of his martyred father".

Members of Kataeb Hezbollah, an IRI force, in Baghdad, Iraq, november 2023. AFP

Members of Kataeb Hezbollah, an IRI force, in Baghdad, Iraq, november 2023. AFP

The Kataeb Hezbollah armed group stated that Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment shows a deep understanding of the vital challenges Iran faces. The organization also lauded Mojtaba Khamenei as "the best successor to the best predecessor". Kataeb Hezbollah is a member of the Islamic Resistance Alliance in Iraq, a militia organization with close ties to Iran. This group has claimed responsibility for many attacks on US bases since the conflict began in the Middle East.

Iran holds significant influence in Iraqi politics and supports many armed groups in the country, forces that are growing in both political and financial strength. For decades, Iraq has also been considered a proxy battleground between Washington and Tehran.

After the new Iranian supreme leader's identity was announced, many of the country's political and military leaders publicly expressed strong support for Mojtaba Khamenei. Sadiq Larijani, chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council, said the decision helps reassure the public amid the conflict and affirms the continuity of the line from the first supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also pledged loyalty to the new leader. Most of Iran's political and security agencies, including the president, parliament speaker, army, Basij paramilitary forces, Supreme National Security Council, national police, and the ministries of defense and intelligence, have expressed support for the decision.

Observers suggest that Iran's selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader aims to send a message of unity during wartime and affirm a smooth power transition.

In China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Quach Gia Khon stated that Iran's selection of a new supreme leader is an internal matter and respects the decision made by Iran based on its constitution. "China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries for any reason, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected", Quach said. He added that Beijing also opposes any actions targeting the new Iranian leader, following Israel's threats to assassinate anyone elected as the new supreme leader.

Chinese Foreign Minister Vuong Nghi earlier called on all parties to respect Iran's sovereignty and opposed external efforts to change the political system in Tehran. He stated that plots to carry out "color revolutions" or seek to change the government would not receive popular support.

Mojtaba Khamenei at an event in Tehran, Iran october 2024. AFP

Mojtaba Khamenei at an event in Tehran, Iran october 2024. AFP

However, the Council of Experts' choice of Mojtaba Khamenei could be a significant gamble, with unclear implications for the country's international standing. He is considered to have a harder line and be more ideological than his late father, potentially leading to greater isolation for Iran.

Iranians are still awaiting the new leader's public appearance. Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared or spoken publicly since his appointment, which is considered unusual, but it may relate to security concerns, especially after Israel's threats.

By Thanh Danh (Al Jazeera, AFP)