Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday congratulated Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Sharif also extended condolences and prayers on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the martyrdom of Mojtaba's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other family members. The message was shared through a statement on US social media company X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been appointed as Iran's third supreme leader following the death of his father due to a joint US-Israel airstrike on February 28. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at the age of 86 after nearly four decades in power. The decision to appoint Mojtaba was announced by Iran's 88-member Assembly of Experts on Sunday night.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed support for Mojtaba's appointment during a news conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that the decision aligns with Iran's Constitution. He also addressed US President Donald Trump's comments about having an alternative candidate, stating that non-interference in other countries' internal affairs is a fundamental principle in international relations.

Several countries, including Russia, Iraq, Oman, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Georgia, have formally congratulated Iran on Mojtaba's appointment. Indonesia also stated that it respects Iranian sovereignty following the appointment.

The region experienced heightened tensions after the joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which Tehran claims resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties, including senior Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets.