Iran War LIVE: Mojtaba Khamenei Named Supreme Leader, Missiles Strike Israel
The conflict in West Asia escalated sharply as Iran appointed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, state media reported early Monday. This appointment came just over a week after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US‑Israeli strikes. Immediately, Iran fired its first wave of missiles toward Israel under the new leadership. The strikes signaled a dangerous new phase in the ongoing war.
Mojtaba Khamenei Takes Command Amid Rising Tensions
Iran’s Assembly of Experts confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the former Supreme Leader, as the country’s new head. Iran fired missiles “under Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei toward occupied territories,” according to state media. The Revolutionary Guard pledged allegiance to the new leader within hours, showing strong military support. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei called the election a “source of joy and hope,” while top security official Ali Larijani said it was “completely legal.”
Gulf States Targeted as Regional Strikes Intensify
The war spread beyond Israel. Iran launched drones and missiles at Qatar and Saudi Arabia, prompting interceptions by their armed forces. Qatar intercepted a missile attack, while Saudi Arabia destroyed a drone headed for the Shaybah oilfield. Earlier, Saudi forces also foiled ballistic missile attacks on the Prince Sultan airbase. These strikes increased tensions across the region and raised fears of further escalation.
Global Reactions and Military Responses
US President Donald Trump called the new Supreme Leader a “lightweight” and warned that Iran must act responsibly. Israel said it would target any successor responsible for attacks. Meanwhile, Israel’s military destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards air force, which controlled ballistic missiles and UAV operations. The fighting has pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel. Regional actors, including Hezbollah, have engaged Israeli forces in Lebanon, and civilian casualties continue to mount. Analysts warn that the war could last for weeks, reshaping geopolitical dynamics in West Asia..
