North Korea Backs Iran's New Supreme Leader Amid Tensions

North Korea has expressed support for Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, according to state media, signaling continued ties between Pyongyang and Tehran amid tensions in the Middle East.

North Korea said it respected Iran’s decision on its leadership after Khamenei was selected earlier this week to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in recent U.S.-Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The comments were reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), citing a spokesperson from North Korea’s foreign ministry.

Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s new supreme leader on March 8 following a leadership process triggered by his father’s death in late February.

• North Korea backs Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
• Pyongyang criticizes US-Israeli strikes amid Middle East conflict
• KCNA statement signals continued Iran-North Korea ties

The Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing the country’s top religious and political authority, approved the decision during a period of military and political pressure linked to the Iran-Israel conflict involving Israel and the United States.

In its statement, Pyongyang also criticized the military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them “illegal aggression” that threatens peace and stability. North Korea has condemned the strikes in recent days, accusing Washington and its allies of escalating tensions in the region.

North Korea and Iran have maintained political ties for years and have both faced international sanctions over their weapons programs and regional policies. Pyongyang has frequently supported Tehran in international forums and criticized U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.

The leadership transition in Iran comes during a period of conflict in the region. The death of Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for more than three decades, created uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic.

His son’s appointment as the country’s highest authority marks a significant political change in Iran and has drawn reactions from several countries monitoring developments in the Middle East.

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North Korea’s statement reflects its continued support for Iran during the current conflict and highlights divisions among countries over the strikes and the leadership change in Tehran.