Reactions and statements from the international community
Oil prices reached a historic high of nearly $120 per barrel on Monday following Iran's announcement of the nomination of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader, before dropping to $106.23 per barrel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his introduction as the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and reaffirmed Russia's steadfast support for Tehran. Putin had previously praised the late Ali Khamenei, who was the former leader of the Islamic Republic.
Images received by Iran International show that the United States and Israel targeted warships and vessels belonging to the IRGC Navy, which were stationed at a distance from the dock and shore due to tidal conditions, in an attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Iran’s supreme leader, declaring that "Russia’s support for Tehran remains unchanged" and expressing solidarity with Iran.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the brother of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, owns two luxury apartments in London’s Kensington worth an estimated $67 million, according to property records cited by the Daily Mail. Additionally, Bloomberg reports that Khamenei may own 11 more properties in London’s Hampstead area, valued at around $270 million.
China stated that Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader is an internal matter governed by Iran’s constitution and expressed opposition to any attempts to target him or interfere in Iran’s internal affairs.
On March 8, 2025, a plume of smoke rose from Bahrain's Bapco oil refinery following an Iranian drone attack. The incident occurred at Bahrain's primary oil refinery, a critical facility in the country's energy sector.
David Petraeus, former CIA director, described the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the leader of the Islamic Republic as "regrettable," predicting that Mojtaba will maintain hardline policies similar to his father's. Petraeus noted that Mojtaba Khamenei did not hold the title of Ayatollah prior to his appointment and that his father was not a prominent figure when selected as leader.
In an interview with The Times of Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the timing for ending the war with Iran is a joint decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This statement came after the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei's succession to the position of Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Following heavy attacks by the United States and Israel on positions of the Islamic Republic and the death of Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime launched retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries as promised, dragging the region into war.
Brian Kilmeade, host of Fox News, stated that Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader of the Islamic Republic following a conversation between them.
In a brief phone interview with The Times of Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment on the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new leader, saying, "We'll see what happens." Former CIA Director David Petraeus and Senator Lindsey Graham have expressed concerns, with Petraeus stating that Mojtaba Khamenei is likely to maintain his father's hardline positions.
