Azerbaijani president congratulates Iran’s new supreme leader

MOSCOW

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Monday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran’s new supreme leader.

In a statement published on the presidential website, Aliyev also extended condolences over the death of the new leader’s father, the previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“Once again I express my condolences to you in connection with the tragic death of your father, the Supreme Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” the statement said.

The message emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are rooted in a history of neighborliness and friendship, expressing hope for joint efforts to develop interstate relations based on mutual respect and trust.

“I express my hope that we will make joint efforts for the development of our interstate relations in the field of mutual respect and trust in the interests of our peoples,” it added.

Aliyev’s message comes after several incidents in which Iranian drones reportedly struck targets in Azerbaijani territory. Iranian authorities have said they do not target Azerbaijani territory, while media reports suggested that drones may stray off course due to countermeasures.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, became Iran’s third supreme leader in history. Iranian officials described his appointment as a step toward strengthening national unity.

The previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, held the position for 37 years. A joint US-Israel airstrike on Feb. 28 hit his Tehran home, killing the 86-year-old leader.