Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

China Defends Iran's Leadership Amid Israeli Threats

3/9/2026

42 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

China says Iran's appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader is an internal matter and opposes targeting him.
Israel's military threatened to strike any successor to the late Ali Khamenei and China called for an immediate halt to military operations to prevent conflict, citing risks to global energy security and trade.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Iran's leadership decisions should be respected.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution in February 1979 overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, establishing an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This shift ended decades of Western-backed monarchy, leading to strained relations with the U.S. and Israel. The revolution's aftermath saw Iran embroiled in the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), shaping its current geopolitical stance and influencing global energy security.

1 of 2

Story summary

China says Iran's appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader is an internal matter and opposes targeting him.
Israel's military threatened to strike any successor to the late Ali Khamenei and China called for an immediate halt to military operations to prevent conflict, citing risks to global energy security and trade.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Iran's leadership decisions should be respected.

1 / 2