The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Ahdavi Raja, has dismissed suggestions that the United States could influence the selection of Iran’s next Supreme Leader following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the ambassador criticised comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly indicated that he should have a role in determining Iran’s future leadership. Raja insisted that Iran would independently decide its political direction without foreign involvement.
According to him, Iran is a sovereign nation capable of determining its leadership and policies without external interference. He stressed that decisions about the country’s future would always reflect the will and interests of the Iranian people.
Trump had earlier reacted to reports confirming the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader by urging Iranians to take control of their country and leadership. During a meeting at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he also claimed that several individuals believed to be potential successors to military leadership positions in Iran had been eliminated during U.S.–Israeli attacks.
In a separate interview with Axios, Trump suggested that he should be involved in the process of selecting Iran’s next leader.
Responding to the remarks, the Iranian envoy reiterated that Iran would not permit any foreign government to influence its leadership choices. He maintained that all national decisions would continue to be made internally and in line with the country’s interests.
Raja also reassured Nigerians living in Iran that they remain safe despite the heightened tensions in the region. He said no casualties or injuries involving Nigerian citizens had been reported, noting that some Nigerians currently reside in cities such as Tehran and Qom.
The ambassador further highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Iran and Nigeria, stating that both nations have maintained cordial ties for more than 55 years. He added that cooperation between the two countries spans several sectors, including politics, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, industry, and education.
Addressing the recent attacks on Iran, Raja described them as deliberate acts of aggression that violate international law and the United Nations Charter. He argued that responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the parties responsible for the attacks as well as the international community.
He also criticised global institutions, including the European Union and the United Nations Security Council, for what he described as their silence on the situation, warning that the credibility of such organisations could be undermined if they fail to act.
According to the ambassador, Iran retains the right to defend itself under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows countries to respond to armed aggression. He maintained that any defensive actions taken by Iran fall within this legal framework.
Raja also condemned attacks that he said affected civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, describing them as serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Despite the tensions, the envoy emphasised that Iran is not seeking war and remains committed to peace and regional stability. However, he noted that the country will continue to defend its sovereignty and protect the rights of its people.