North Korea has announced its support for Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s supreme leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli attack on February 28.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed respect for the Iranian people’s choice, stating, “Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader”.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with North Korea condemning the US and Israel’s “illegal” attacks on Iran, which it claims are undermining regional peace and security.
The spokesperson further emphasized that the US and Israel’s actions are “destroying the regional peace and security foundations and escalating instability worldwide” and must be “condemned and rejected by the entire world”.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named the new supreme leader by Iran’s clerical leadership on Monday, following his father’s death in Israeli-US strikes.
North Korea’s support for Iran’s new leader comes as the country continues to face international pressure and sanctions over its nuclear program.
In recent months, the US has indicated its willingness to revive high-level talks with North Korea, while Kim Jong Un has stated that the two nations could “get along” if Washington accepts Pyongyang’s nuclear status.
North Korea has also been conducting missile tests, including a recent test-firing of strategic cruise missiles from its naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as it seeks to expand its nuclear capabilities.