Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday congratulated Iran’s newly-appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, voicing optimism that he would lead the country towards “peace, stability, and prosperity”.

In a message posted on X, the premier said, “I congratulate his eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran”.

He offered his “deepest condolences and prayers [..] on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members”.

The former supreme leader was assassinated in coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on March 1.

“I am confident that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability and prosperity in the years ahead,” he added.

More to follow.