China issues stark warning to US: ‘Do not target Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei’

Beijing on Monday delivered a clear warning to Washington and its allies, saying any attempt to target Mojtaba Khamenei, newly appointed supreme leader of Iran, would be unacceptable, even as the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict continues to intensify.

China’s Foreign Ministry said Iran’s decision to choose Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader, was an internal constitutional matter and should not be interfered with by external powers.

China emphasised that it opposes any targeting of the new leader, a stance that directly challenges recent threats by the Israel Defense Forces to strike successors of the former supreme leader.

The warning comes as the war, now in its 10th day, shows no sign of abating. Iran has continued to launch missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US interests, while Israel and the US keep up heavy bombardment of Iranian military infrastructure.

China’s statement marks a rare moment of diplomatic opposition to US‑led military pressure in the Middle East and underlines Beijing’s support for Tehran’s sovereignty, even as it calls for de‑escalation in the broader conflict.

Regional and global markets have felt the impact, with crude oil prices climbing sharply above $100 a barrel amid fears over supply disruptions through key maritime routes.

International efforts to rein in the violence have so far failed to curb the fighting, with multiple nations reporting new attacks in the Gulf region and beyond.