President Pezeshkian welcomes Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s election as new Leader

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution in this undated photo.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has felicitated Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei following his election as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

The 88-member Assembly of Experts elected Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as successor to his father and the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khamenei on Sunday.

President Pezeshkian described the election as heralding "a new era of honor and authority for the Iranian nation."

He called the election "the embodiment of the will of the Islamic Ummah in strengthening national unity," describing this unity as "an impregnable fortress" that makes the Iranian nation resilient against adversarial plots.

The statement highlighted the foundational role played by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's predecessor, Imam Khamenei, “in preserving the system and elevating the Revolution” that provided “a solid foundation for Iran's future."

Under the new leadership, Pezeshkian hoped that the Islamic Republic of Iran would reach "a brilliant horizon of sustainable independence, scientific and technological progress, and comprehensive development."

He elaborated that this future represents one "where progress, social justice, and global dignity will bear the sweet fruits of this unity and prudence."

The statement acknowledged ongoing difficulties while expressing confidence in the nation's capacity to overcome them.

President Pezeshkian noted that throughout its history, Islamic Iran “has shown that it stands firm against hardships and, relying on collective wisdom, faith, and continuous effort, overcomes the most difficult obstacles."

He specifically cited "the exemplary resistance of the noble Iranian nation and the determination of Iran's self-sacrificing and courageous armed forces" as instrumental in navigating current challenges, including the "brutal and blatant aggression by the Zionist regime and the criminal US."

President Pezeshkian expressed conviction that overcoming present difficulties would be achieved through the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s “wise leadership and by fostering an atmosphere based on trust, empathy, and widespread participation and resistance by the people."

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s election was formally announced by the Assembly of Experts on Sunday, more than a week after Imam Khamenei’s martyrdom is an Israeli-American act of aggression.