China Opposes Targeting of Mojtaba Khamenei After IDF Threats — 'Iran's Sovereignty Must Be Respected'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated at a press conference that China 'opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected.' He added that Iran's naming of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader 'is a decision by the Iranian side based on its constitution.' The statement was a direct response to IDF threats against Iran's new supreme leader following his appointment. The IDF had issued statements indicating Mojtaba was a legitimate military target — consistent with its broader campaign against Iranian regime leadership. China's position formalises the emerging Russia-China-Iran bloc's diplomatic stance: Western intervention in Iran's succession is illegitimate; Mojtaba's authority is constitutionally valid; and any strike on the supreme leader would be an attack on Iranian sovereignty. China's statement also implicitly constrains the US — as a major US trade partner and holder of US debt, China's diplomatic alignment with Iran on this specific point sends a signal about the costs of regime decapitation. Combined with the Russia-UAE joint ceasefire call, China's statement is part of an emerging international diplomatic architecture seeking to constrain the war's escalation.