SEOUL, March 11 — North Korea has publicly backed Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, while accusing the United States and Israel of escalating instability across the Middle East through their military operations against Tehran.
In a statement released through state media, a spokesperson for North Korea’s foreign ministry said Pyongyang respects the Iranian people’s decision and expressed confidence in the country’s leadership transition during a period of growing regional conflict.
The spokesperson said North Korea “respects the rights and choice of the Iranian people to elect their supreme leader,” referring to Iran’s Assembly of Experts selecting Mojtaba Khamenei to lead the Islamic Republic.
The announcement comes days after Iran confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei had been chosen to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died following a series of airstrikes targeting senior Iranian leadership during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Pyongyang Condemns US-Israeli Military Actions
North Korea also strongly condemned the recent military operations carried out by Washington and Tel Aviv, describing them as unlawful attacks that threaten regional peace and global stability.
According to the statement, Pyongyang expressed “serious concern” over what it called acts of aggression by the United States and Israel, arguing that the strikes undermine the foundations of peace and security in the Middle East.
The foreign ministry further warned that continued military escalation could deepen geopolitical tensions and worsen the already volatile situation in the region.
North Korea’s remarks reflect its long-standing opposition to US military involvement abroad and its frequent criticism of Washington’s alliances and security policies.
Iran’s Leadership Transition Amid War
Iran’s leadership change occurred in the midst of one of the most intense periods of conflict in the country’s recent history.
On February 28, a major strike targeting Iranian leadership in Tehran killed several officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a rapid political transition within the Islamic Republic.
Following the attack, Iran established a temporary leadership council before the Assembly of Experts convened to select a new supreme leader. Mojtaba Khamenei was officially elected on March 8 to become the country’s third supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The new leader, known for his close ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is expected to continue the country’s hard-line policies and maintain a confrontational stance toward Western powers.
Longstanding Ties Between North Korea and Iran
Analysts say North Korea’s statement highlights the historical alignment between Pyongyang and Tehran, particularly in their shared opposition to US influence and military presence.
Both countries have often cooperated politically and strategically, while facing heavy international sanctions and diplomatic pressure from Western governments.
By publicly supporting Iran’s leadership transition, North Korea appears to be reinforcing its position alongside governments that challenge the US-led global order.
Rising International Concerns
The latest development comes as the broader conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to intensify.
Global reactions to the killing of Iran’s previous leader and the rapid appointment of his successor have underscored fears that the conflict could widen further across the Middle East.
Diplomats and analysts warn that continued military strikes, combined with shifting leadership in Tehran, could significantly reshape the geopolitical balance in the region and increase the risk of a wider war.
As tensions remain high, international observers are closely watching how Iran’s new leadership will respond to the ongoing crisis and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation.
