13 days after Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israel airstrike in Tehran, his second-born son, Mojtaba Khamenei, took over as Iran’s new Supreme Chief. In his first deal with to the nation, the 56-year-old vowed to avenge these killed within the ongoing warfare, together with in a strike on the elementary women’ faculty, which took away 176 lives.
When Ali Khamenei took over from the late Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he didn’t instantly make a public speech in particular person; as a substitute ready till after a 40-day mourning interval.
Nevertheless, Mojtaba Khamenei finds himself and the Iranian authorities he leads in maybe its most-desperate struggle because the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s first assertion to Iran
“Iran would get hold of compensation from its enemy. I guarantee everybody that we’ll not abandon searching for revenge for the blood of your martyrs,” he mentioned, referring to the USA and Israel. If it refuses, Iran will take from its property.
His assertion was learn on state tv by a information anchor. Khamenei didn’t seem on digital camera, and an Israeli evaluation signifies he was wounded within the warfare’s opening salvo.
“I had the honour of visiting his physique after his martyrdom; what I noticed was a mountain of firmness, and I used to be informed that the fist of his wholesome hand was clenched,” he mentioned, “The issue of assuming the management after such an individual… bridging this hole is simply doable with the assistance of the Divine Fact and your help, the individuals.”
Quickly after, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei opened his X account, as @Rahbarenghelab_, which in Persian means “Chief of the Revolution.”
The account follows only one different account – that of his late father and former supreme chief.
Civilian toll rises
The battle has brought about vital casualties throughout the area.
- Iran: A minimum of 1,348 killed and greater than 12,000 injured
- Israel: 14 killed
- Lebanon: 687 killed, together with 98 youngsters and greater than 1,774 wounded
- United States: Seven service members killed
- Kuwait: six deaths
- UAE: Six deaths
- Saudi Arabia: Two civilians killed
- Bahrain: Two deaths
- Oman: One mariner killed
- Iraq: 26 deaths
Modi speaks to Iran’s President
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed deep concern over the rise in lack of civilian lives in addition to escalating geopolitical tensions.
Modi pressured that the protection of Indian nationals is paramount and appealed for an area of dialogue and diplomacy. “The protection and safety of Indian nationals, together with the necessity for unhindered transit of products and power, stay India’s high priorities. Reiterated India’s dedication to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
Ships from some nations allowed to cross Strait of Hormuz: Iran
Iranian Deputy International Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi mentioned that the Strait of Hormuz is open to some nations.
“Some nations have already talked to us about passing the strait, and now we have cooperated with them,” he mentioned throughout an interview with the AFP Information Company.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial water hall by which over 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil passes. Ever because the warfare started and Iranian assaults and threats towards vessels, oil transport has dropped to lower than 10 per cent.
“So far as Iran is worried, we really feel that these nations that joined the aggression shouldn’t profit from protected passage by the Strait of Hormuz,” he mentioned.
Maritime physique calls emergency talks on Strait of Hormuz
The Worldwide Maritime Organisation (IMO) will maintain a session between March 18 and March 19 to debate rising threats to transport within the Center East, notably across the Strait of Hormuz.
The assembly is scheduled to happen in London after six of the organisation’s 40 member states, United Kingdom, Egypt, France, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), requested pressing talks.
Kuwait detects 5 missiles, seven drones prior to now 24 hours
Kuwait’s Defence Ministry launched an announcement saying its defence forces, within the final 24 hours, detected 5 ballistic missiles, 4 of which had been intercepted aone fell outdoors a “menace space.”
Its air defences detected seven drones, of which 5 had been destroyed whereas one hit a residential constructing and one other focused Kuwait Worldwide Airport. “There have been minor accidents and materials harm,” the assertion learn.
UAE extends expired visas
The United Arab Emirates introduced whose residence allow expired since February 28 will probably be allowed to resume their long run visas until March 31.
50 constitution flights for residents: US State Division
United States has organized 50 constitution flights from the Center East for its residents, Al Jazeera quoted a State Division official. “By the top of right now (March 12), we’ll have accomplished roughly 4 dozen flights and safely evacuated hundreds of Individuals from the Center East on these flights,” the official mentioned.
You might be welcome, however not needed: Trump on Iran’s FIFA World Cup participation
A day after Sports activities Minister Ahmad Donyamali mentioned that Iran wouldn’t take part within the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US President Donald Trump mentioned he would welcome the group although he “prompt” it may not be acceptable for them to attend resulting from security considerations
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is collectively hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Trump will probably be very sorry, says Nationwide Safety Council chief
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council, Ali Larijani, despatched out a powerful message to President Donald Trump, saying, “is not going to relent till making you sorry for this grave miscalculation.”
Italy to withdraw all troops in Iraq
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto informed reporters that it’s going to briefly withdraw all personnel from a navy base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which got here below a drone assault.
On Thursday, two oil tankers had been attacked off the coast of Iraq, killing not less than one crew member. In a separate incident, a cargo ship caught hearth after being struck by shrapnel.
Gulf banks announce shutdown
A number of Gulf banks introduced the momentary closure of their branches not less than till the top of the week, citing the protection of their workers.
HSBC in Doha mentioned it will droop operations, whereas Citibank and Normal Chartered introduced the momentary closure of workplaces within the United Arab Emirates.
The transfer follows an assault on a public monetary establishment in Iran, which Tehran has attributed to the USA or Israel. Iranian authorities have since warned they could goal monetary or financial establishments linked to the 2 nations.
