Mojtaba Khamenei Elected Iran’s Supreme Leader After Assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei

In a major political development during the 2026 Iran war, Iran’s Assembly of Experts has elected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Wikipedia)

The announcement was made on March 8–9, 2026, after an emergency meeting of the 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s top leader. Mojtaba Khamenei becomes the third Supreme Leader of Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. (Wikipedia)

His election came just days after Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike in Tehran on February 28, which triggered a major leadership crisis in the Islamic Republic. (Wikipedia)


Rapid Succession After Khamenei’s Death

The death of the long-time leader created a sudden power vacuum in Iran’s political and religious system. Under the constitution, the Assembly of Experts must appoint a new Supreme Leader when the position becomes vacant. (Wikipedia)

Reports say the clerical body met in an emergency session and quickly reached a decision to ensure stability during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Analysts say the swift appointment was aimed at preventing political uncertainty while Iran faces airstrikes, military exchanges, and regional tensions.


Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei?

Mojtaba Khamenei, born September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, is the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Key facts about him:

  • A 56-year-old Shiite cleric
  • Considered a hardline figure within Iran’s conservative establishment
  • Known for close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
  • Rarely appeared publicly and held no formal elected office
  • Was placed under US sanctions in 2019

For many years, he was believed to hold significant influence behind the scenes within his father’s office and Iran’s security institutions.


First Father-to-Son Leadership in Iran

Mojtaba’s appointment is historic because it marks the first time the Supreme Leadership has passed from father to son in the Islamic Republic.

Some analysts say the decision reflects the strong influence of conservative institutions and the IRGC, which reportedly supports Mojtaba’s leadership.

However, critics argue that such a succession resembles hereditary rule, something the Iranian revolution originally opposed.


Global Reactions and Regional Impact

The leadership change comes at a time of intense conflict in the Middle East.

  • Iranian state institutions and military forces quickly pledged loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei. (Wikipedia)
  • The move has drawn criticism from Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who warned the new leader may face international pressure. (Wikipedia)
  • Regional tensions have increased, with missile attacks and military strikes continuing across the region. (The Guardian)

Energy markets have also reacted strongly, with global oil prices rising due to concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. (The Guardian)


What Happens Next?

Mojtaba Khamenei now takes power at one of the most dangerous moments in Iran’s modern history.

Observers say his leadership will likely focus on:

  • Maintaining regime stability during wartime
  • Strengthening ties with Iran’s military and security institutions
  • Continuing Iran’s confrontational stance toward Western powers

Whether he can consolidate authority and guide the country through the ongoing conflict remains uncertain, but his appointment signals continuity of Iran’s hardline political direction.


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Military Projectile Hits Residential Compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj, Two Dead and 12 Injured

Military Projectile Hits Residential Compound

Riyadh: A military projectile struck a residential site belonging to a maintenance and cleaning company in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, leaving two people dead and 12 others injured, according to the Saudi Civil Defense.

As reported by the Saudi Gazette, a Civil Defense spokesperson said the projectile hit a residential compound, causing significant material damage to the site. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Authorities confirmed that the two people who died were expatriates from India and Bangladesh. The injured included 12 residents of Bangladeshi nationality.

Emergency response teams quickly reached the scene and carried out the necessary rescue and safety procedures following the incident.

The Civil Defense spokesperson strongly condemned attempts to target civilian facilities, stating that such actions represent a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

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Iran’s Representative in India Says Tehran Will Defend Independence After US–Israel Attacks, Sees Strong Future with India

Iran’s Representative in India Says Tehran Will Defend Independence After US–Israel Attacks, Sees Strong Future with India

Iran’s Supreme Leader late Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, has stated that the nation remains resolute in its defence of its independence and dignity following attacks by the United States and the “Zionist regime.”

Addressing the escalating regional tensions, Elahi noted that Tehran has been forced into a defensive posture against what he termed “unjust” aggression. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“No one wanted this situation and these circumstances, but we are forced to have this situation. Our situation is not good, our condition is not good. We were attacked by the United States and the Zionist regime unjustly, and we have to defend ourselves. We sacrifice for our land, we sacrifice for our dignity, we sacrifice for our morality, we sacrifice for our independence,” he said.

In a conversation with ANI, the representative shifted focus to the future of the region, asserting that the current crisis has led Iran’s neighbours to realise that external powers cannot provide a permanent security guarantee.

“Actually, I’m sure that the future will be better for Iran, and our neighbours understood that no one can give them a guarantee and that they can solve their problems and their issues within themselves. They never need any foreigners to come to this regime and protect them,” Elahi remarked.

He further commented on the diminishing influence of foreign military presences, suggesting that regional independence is on the rise.

“They understood that even the United States, although it established a lot of bases in their countries and got billions of dollars from our neighbours, cannot give them a guarantee and cannot do anything for them. They realised that, and we got the message from them that they will be more independent than before,” he added.

Contextualising the impact of the ongoing conflict on bilateral trade, particularly regarding oil imports and exports between Tehran and New Delhi, Elahi emphasised that the friendship between the two nations is rooted in a shared history that predates modern geopolitical friction.
“Actually, the relationship and friendship between Iran and India is beyond this time. Our relationship started 3,000 years ago, and our people connected, Indian people, by culture, by communication with them, by civilisation, philosophy and spiritual matters,” the representative stated.

Looking past the immediate disruptions caused by clashes and attacks, Elahi maintained that the civilisational bond between India and Iran would ensure the continuity of their partnership once the current circumstances subside.

“So, this relationship will continue, I’m sure. Now we are in certain circumstances, and I’m sure that it will finish, and again all nations will come together and continue their relationship. They will come successfully,” he said.

The remarks come amidst a highly volatile security situation in the region, where direct military exchanges and strikes on strategic assets have disrupted traditional trade routes and energy corridors. As regional players navigate the fallout of these hostilities, the emphasis remains on whether diplomatic engagement and historical ties can mitigate the risks of a broader, prolonged conflict. (ANI)

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Iran Warns of Retaliation on US Bases After Deadly School Strike Kills Over 160 Children in Minab

school children

Iran’s Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the United States on Saturday following a deadly strike in southern Iran that reportedly killed more than 160 children and injured around 100 others. The attack targeted a girls’ primary school in Minab, located in Hormozgan province, triggering global outrage and raising fresh tensions in the Middle East.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi accused the United States of launching attacks from the territory of Arab countries and targeting innocent civilians. He warned that Iran’s response would inevitably be directed at US military bases and institutions. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Iran and the Arab brothers have lived side by side for centuries in a spirit of affection, friendship, and mutual respect,” Araghchi wrote. “The American aggressors launch from the lands of our Arab friends to target children and the innocent. As for Iran’s response, it will inevitably be directed at the bases of the United States and its institutions.”

Deadly Strike on Minab Girls’ Primary School

The controversy centres around a strike that hit Shajare Tayyiba Elementary School in Minab on February 28, killing over 160 people, most of them children. According to reports, another 100 people were injured in the incident.

A detailed investigation by CNN suggested that the United States was likely responsible for the strike. The report analysed satellite imagery, geolocated videos, statements from US officials, and expert assessments of munitions, which indicated that the school was hit at roughly the same time as an American attack on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base.

Experts believe the school might have been struck accidentally during the military operation.

Trevor Jenzen-Jones, a munitions expert cited in the report, said the incident was likely a targeting failure.

“It’s probably a targeting failure. Somewhere in the target cycle, an intelligence failure meant the target set wasn’t updated, or a decision later resulted in the wrong target being hit,” he explained.

US Yet to Confirm Responsibility

Despite growing evidence, US officials have neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the strike.

When asked for comment, the US Defense Department referred inquiries to US Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM stated that it would be inappropriate to comment because the incident is currently under investigation.

Previously, CENTCOM acknowledged that it was aware of reports about civilian casualties resulting from ongoing military operations and said the matter was being examined.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that an investigation had been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the strike.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that preliminary findings from US military investigators suggest American forces were likely responsible for the attack on the school.

US and Israel Strikes Intensify Regional Crisis

The Minab tragedy comes amid escalating tensions in the region following joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Those attacks reportedly resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior Iranian figures.

The strikes marked one of the most dramatic escalations in the long-running confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

According to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first 100 hours of the conflict saw Israel primarily targeting northern Iran, while the United States focused its operations in the southern regions, including Hormozgan.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks

In response to the assassination of its leadership and ongoing airstrikes, Iran launched multiple waves of drones and missiles targeting strategic locations across the region, including areas in several Arab countries believed to host US military facilities.

Tehran has vowed further retaliation, warning that American bases across the region remain legitimate targets.

Russia Also Drawn Into the Controversy

The conflict has also drawn international political reactions. On Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the rapidly escalating crisis.

Meanwhile, US Congressman Joe Wilson accused Russia of providing intelligence support to Iran.

In a post on X, Wilson alleged:
“War criminal Putin is killing Americans by providing Iran intel. Russia must be held accountable for mass chaos and death.”

Growing Global Concern

As investigations continue into the Minab school strike, global concern is rising over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. The deaths of large numbers of children have intensified calls for accountability, transparency, and restraint from all parties involved.

With Iran openly warning of retaliation against US bases and tensions continuing to rise across the Middle East, analysts fear the crisis could expand into a wider regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.

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Rumours Claim IRGC Quds Force Chief Esmail Qaani Executed as Mossad Spy

ismail qaani

Rumours circulating on social media claim that Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, has been executed by Iranian authorities on suspicion of spying for Israel’s Mossad. However, no credible evidence or official confirmation supports these claims as of March 6, 2026.

Viral Claims Spread on Social Media

Several posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have claimed that Qaani was secretly executed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards after being accused of working for Israeli intelligence. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to these rumours, some people inside Iran’s leadership became suspicious because Qaani repeatedly survived Israeli and US assassination attempts, while many senior Iranian leaders were killed in recent strikes.

Some viral posts even describe him as the “impossible to kill commander”, claiming he left a location shortly before an attack that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Many of these posts mention Arab-language media sources, but none of them provide clear or verified confirmation.

No Official Confirmation from Iran

So far, Iranian state media, including official outlets, have not reported any arrest, execution, or investigation involving Esmail Qaani.

There have also been no statements from the IRGC, the Iranian judiciary, or the Quds Force confirming such allegations.

Several international media outlets have mentioned the rumours but have described them as unverified and speculative.

Similar Rumours in the Past

This is not the first time Qaani has been the subject of such rumours. In recent years, he has been falsely reported dead or detained multiple times following Israeli strikes in places like Tehran and Beirut.

In some cases, he later appeared publicly or Iranian media denied the claims.

Rising Tensions Fuel Misinformation

The rumours are spreading at a time of extreme tension in West Asia, especially after the US–Israel airstrikes that reportedly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders.

The situation has created political uncertainty inside Iran, including discussions about leadership succession and national security concerns.

Experts say such unstable conditions often lead to misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading online.

No Verified Evidence So Far

At present, there is no confirmed evidence that Esmail Qaani has been executed or even detained.

Until any official announcement comes from Iranian authorities or reliable international sources, the claims remain unverified social media rumours.

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Israel Says ‘Regime Change’ in Iran Is End Goal of Ongoing US-Israel Military Campaign

israeli FM

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Friday that the final goal of Israel’s military campaign against Iran is to remove what he called “existential threats” from the Islamic Republic. He also suggested that the conflict could eventually lead to regime change in Iran.

Saar made the remarks while speaking through video conferencing at the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to him, Israel wants to create conditions that would allow the people of Iran to bring political change in their country.

“The goal will be regime change. But this change will be carried out by the people of Iran themselves. We only need to create the conditions for that,” Saar said.

Israel Criticises Iranian Government

The Israeli foreign minister described the current Iranian government as oppressive and highly repressive. He claimed that many Iranians want political change, but strict control by the government has prevented it.

He said many Iranian citizens, both inside the country and in the diaspora abroad, support change in Iran’s political system.

“Until now the regime has been very powerful and brutal, which stopped people from challenging it. But the final outcome will be written by the Iranian people,” Saar said.

Conflict Intensifies After Khamenei’s Death

The tensions in West Asia sharply increased after a joint US-Israel airstrike on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.

Following the attack, Iran launched waves of drone and missile strikes targeting American bases and Israeli assets across the region.

Israel has continued its airstrikes on Iranian targets and has also expanded operations toward Lebanon, targeting the Hezbollah group.

Israel Aims to Remove Long-Term Threats

Saar said Israel’s main objective is to eliminate long-term threats coming from Iran, including its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development, and support for armed groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis in Yemen.

He said Israel wants to avoid repeated wars in the future.

“We do not want a new war every year. Our goal is to remove the threats that come from Iran,” he said.

No Fixed Timeline for the War

When asked about the possible duration of the conflict, Saar said neither Israel nor the United States has set a specific timeline for the operation.

He referred to comments by US President Donald Trump, who earlier suggested that the conflict could last several weeks.

However, Saar added that the war would continue until Israel achieves its strategic goals.

Role of Iranian People in Regime Change

Saar also admitted that Israel alone cannot change Iran’s government. He said any political transformation must come from the Iranian people.

“At the same time, the Iranian people may need some support from outside to achieve that change,” he said.

The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to escalate, raising fears of a wider war across the Middle East.

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Iran Slams Trump at Raisina Dialogue, Says US ‘Colonial Approach’ Behind War with Tehran

trump

Amid the growing conflict in West Asia, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh strongly criticised US President Donald Trump, questioning Washington’s stance on Iran’s leadership and regional politics.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, Khatibzadeh said it was ironic that the US president talks about changing Iran’s leadership when he cannot even control political appointments within the United States.

He described the American policy toward Iran as having a “colonial mindset.” Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“President Trump talks about leadership change in Iran, while he cannot even appoint the mayor of New York. This shows a colonial approach. They want democracy at home but want to remove the democratically elected president of Iran,” Khatibzadeh said during the discussion.

Iran Denies Closing Strait of Hormuz

Khatibzadeh also rejected reports that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route for oil.

He said Iran continues to play a responsible role in maintaining stability in the Gulf despite the ongoing war with Israel and the United States.

“Iran is an anchor of stability in the Strait of Hormuz. If we decide to close it, we will announce it. We have not closed it,” he said.

He also highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between India and Iran, saying both countries prefer strategic thinking.

“India and Iran share a chess mentality, not the American football mentality. Diplomacy in the long run is the only solution,” he said.

Iran Calls Conflict an ‘Existential War’

During the Raisina Dialogue, Khatibzadeh described the current conflict as an “existential war” against Iran. He accused the United States and Israel of launching attacks based on what he called false claims.

“What Americans and Israelis are doing is against international law and global norms. Iran did not provoke this conflict. Our country is under attack based on flat lies,” he said.

According to the Iranian minister, the war is linked to regional power politics and what he called the “delusion of a Greater Israel.”

Tehran Warns of Strong Response

Khatibzadeh said Iran is acting in self-defence and warned that Tehran would respond to attacks launched from foreign territory.

“This is an existential war against Iran. We are fighting a national and heroic war to push back aggressors. If attacks continue, we will strike wherever those attacks originate from,” he said.

Claims of False-Flag Operations

The Iranian official also alleged that false-flag operations were being carried out to expand the conflict. He claimed that some intelligence operations were linked to Israel’s Mossad agency.

According to him, Iran is trying to prevent the war from spreading to other regions.

Concern Over Targeting State Leaders

Khatibzadeh also criticised the assassination of top political leaders during conflicts, calling it a dangerous precedent.

“When the head of another state is targeted, it sets a very dangerous example for international relations,” he said.

Diplomacy the Only Way Forward

The Iranian deputy foreign minister concluded by saying that ending the war depends on those who started it.

“The responsibility to stop this aggression lies with those who began it. If they stop today, Iran is ready to defend but not escalate. Diplomacy is the only option for every country,” he added.

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Akasa Air Operates Special Abu Dhabi–Mumbai Flight Amid West Asia Crisis, Suspends Some Gulf Routes

Akasa Air Operates Special Abu Dhabi

Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, Akasa Air on Wednesday stated that the airline will be operating a special flight from the UAE today to support the safe return of passengers and crew impacted by the prevailing situation there, while also running select services to and from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the Indian low-cost airline said flight QP 585 from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai will depart at 16:00 (local time or 17:30 IST). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In addition to the Abu Dhabi service, the airline will operate select flights connecting Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah with Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru on March 4 and March 5. On March 4, flights are scheduled between Mumbai and Jeddah and between Ahmedabad and Jeddah. On March 5, services will operate between Mumbai and Jeddah as well as between Bengaluru and Jeddah.

The airline clarified that the operation of these flights is based on its current safety assessment and may change subject to prevailing conditions. However, Akasa Air flights to and from Doha, Kuwait City and Riyadh will remain suspended until March 5.

The airline reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority as tensions grow in the regions.

Meanwhile, Air Arabia stated that it has temporarily suspended its flights to and from the UAE until Monday, March 9, till 15:00 (UAE time).

The airline said a limited number of flights are operating in coordination with relevant authorities and are subject to operational and safety approvals. Passengers scheduled on operating flights will be notified directly, while others have been advised not to travel to the airport unless contacted by the airline.

This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Saturday on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its fifth day.

Tehran’s counter-strikes have also targeted American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening it to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI)

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Iran Rejects Talks with US as War Enters Day 5, IRGC Claims Major Drone Strikes on American and Israeli Targets

Iran Rejects Talks with US

The Iranians have hardened their position as the conflict in West Asia entered Day 5. On Wednesday, Mohammad Mokhber, a senior aide to the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei told state TV that Iran has no intention of negotiating with the United States and can continue the Middle East war for as long as needed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) earlier said that it had launched what it said was the 17th wave of strikes against US, Israeli targets, Press TV reported. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to the IRGC, the Ground Force of IRGC responded to the Israeli-US strikes against Iran with 3 major operations.

Announcing another phase of Operation True Promise 4 on Wednesday, IRGC’s Public Relations stated that immediately after the joint Israeli-US strikes, its ground forces launched more than 230 assault drones towards targets in the Occupied Lands and US bases in the region.

“Firing dozens of drones in several waves towards the US military bases in Erbil, and Kuwait, and destroying several terrorist groups’ headquarters in northern Iraq, were the first actions of brave soldiers of the IRGC against child-killing aggressors,” said the statement.

IRGC further claimed that a fresh wave of Iranian retaliatory strikes has crippled a major US air base in Bahrain, with strikes destroying command centres. According to the IRGC, Iran’s retaliatory strikes left more than 680 casualties for American troops in various US bases in the first two days of the war.

Iranian officials have stressed that targeting US military bases in the region constitutes “legitimate self-defence.”

Referring to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, they say that Iran has the legal right to defend itself against “acts of aggression” by the US or the Israeli regime.

Meanwhile, Press TV also reported that the Handala hacking group, pro-Palestinian hacktivist group that targets Israeli organizations, claimed it had breached the Israeli institute of national security studies (INSS). Handala claimed that classified documents, top secret correspondence, confidential recordings, and highly secret bulletins would be released soon.

Iran’s state media also reported that Iranians will bid farewell to late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a ceremony later tonight at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini prayer ground. The ceremony will last for three days and the funeral procession will be announced when it is finalized. (ANI)

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