Iraqi president congratulates Iran’s new supreme leader

ISTANBUL

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on Tuesday on his selection as Iran’s new supreme leader.

Mojtaba Khamenei was declared successor of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike last week.

"We hope that the coming period will witness an end to war, and the prioritization of wisdom and dialogue to ensure security, stability, and prosperity for the Iranian people," Rashid said in a statement released by his office.

He also affirmed Iraq's support for all regional and global efforts to end conflicts, easing tensions, and working collectively to enhance security, stability, and peace.

Regional escalation flared up since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people and injuring over 10,000 others.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.