Iranian security chief hails Khamenei succession as blow to Western foes

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as his father’s successor has left Israel and the United States in “despair.”

Larijani shared the statement on social media platform X, emphasizing the impact of the Assembly of Experts’ decision, Caliber.Az reports.

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— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 9, 2026

“The election of Your Excellency by the Assembly of Experts as the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has left stubborn and belligerent enemies disappointed, while the Iranian people, who strive for justice and value truth, have been encouraged,” he wrote.

The remarks come despite earlier reports indicating that Larijani opposed Mojtaba Khamenei’s ascension to the role of Supreme Leader. 

By Vafa Guliyeva