Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. (Photo: Iraqi presidency office)
Iraqi president congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei, expresses hope for end to war
BAGHDAD — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Tuesday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Iran’s supreme leader, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people and hope that the coming phase would bring an end to the regional war.
“We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and to the leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of your election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, wishing you success in carrying out this responsibility,” Rashid said in a letter.
Rashid also renewed condolences over the death of Ali Khamenei and others killed in the conflict. “We affirm Iraq’s solidarity with the friendly Iranian people in this painful loss,” he said, adding that Iraq hopes “the coming phase will witness an end to the war and the prioritization of wisdom and dialogue in a way that guarantees security, stability and prosperity for the Iranian people.”
He reiterated Iraq’s support for “all regional and international efforts aimed at ending conflicts, easing tensions and working jointly to strengthen security, peace and stability throughout the region.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was named supreme leader by the 88-member Assembly of Experts following the death of his father in the U.S.-Israeli strikes that launched the regional war on Feb. 28.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani also congratulated Mojtaba earlier this week, expressing confidence in Iran’s leadership “to manage this critical stage and to move forward in strengthening the unity of the Iranian people in confronting the current challenges.”
Several Iraqi political and armed factions issued similar messages. Abu Alaa al-Walai of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada described Mojtaba as “the best successor to the best predecessor.” Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali called the appointment “an extension of the authentic school established by the mujahid leaders.” Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim said he hoped the new leader would succeed “in continuing the path of his martyred father.”