Pro-Iran groups in Iraq hail Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, seeing it as a symbol of steadfast continuity for the regional ‘axis of resistance’.

BAGHDAD: Pro-Iranian factions in Iraq have welcomed the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader.

The groups framed the succession as a symbol of continuity following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US and Israeli strikes.

The powerful Badr organisation stated the new leadership represents a “blessed continuity of the path of the Islamic revolution”.

The Asaib Ahl al-Haq faction said the choice shows continuity and “reinforcement of the Islamic republic’s role as a central pillar in the axis of resistance”.

Armed group Kataeb Hezbollah said it reflects a profound understanding “of the existential challenges confronting the nation”.

“The best successor to the best predecessor,” said Kataeb Hezbollah, which is part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

That alliance has claimed attacks on US bases since the start of the war in the Middle East.

Iran wields significant influence in Iraqi politics and backs armed groups whose power has grown.

Iraq has for decades been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran.

Senior Iraqi politician and moderate cleric Ammar al-Hakim wished the new leader “success in following the path of his martyred father”.

 The Sun Malaysia