China has criticized remarks made by Donald Trump regarding Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump suggested that the new leader would need approval from the United States government to remain in power.

Reacting to the comment, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He stressed that Iran’s leadership decision was made according to its constitutional process.

China also urged the international community to respect Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing called for an end to military operations in the region and encouraged dialogue and negotiations to reduce tensions.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei and expressed support from Russia. Mojtaba, born in Mashhad in 1969, rose in influence after his father became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989.