Bafel Talabani congratulates Iran on new supreme leader, hopes for de-escalation

SULAYMANIYAH — Patriotic Union of Kurdistan President Bafel Talabani congratulated Iran on the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader Tuesday, expressing hope the leadership change would bring reduced tensions and lasting peace to the region.

“We extend our congratulations to the Islamic Republic of Iran on the appointment of its new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei,” Talabani said. “We hope this brings de-escalation, stability and a lasting peace to the region.”

Mojtaba Khamenei was named supreme leader by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8, following the death of his father during the ongoing war.

Talabani joins Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, who earlier Tuesday congratulated Mojtaba and expressed hope that “the coming phase will witness an end to the war and the prioritization of wisdom and dialogue.” Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani also congratulated him Monday, expressing confidence in Iran’s leadership to “manage this critical stage.”

A number of Shia political figures and militia leaders in Iraq have issued similar messages.