The two most critical developments following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are the election of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader, and Trump's sudden shift toward ending the conflict. The new leader, described as harder than his father, has declared that the US will regret its actions. The Israeli government under Netanyahu continues to issue threats of further assassinations, while Trump dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as "insignificant."
In a confusing turn of events, the US President claimed he would like to participate in the election of Iran's leader, yet recognized Mojtaba's role. Most importantly, Trump is dispatching Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Israel to persuade Netanyahu to co-decide on the war's conclusion. This comes as reports reveal Russia is providing Iran with coordinates for American targets, leading Witkoff to demand Moscow stop assisting "the already defeated."
The US failed to achieve any of its primary objectives
Despite the assassination of Khamenei, another Khamenei has ascended to power. The US has suffered humiliating damage, with 14 military bases and Israel hit by 3,500 missiles and drones. The initial plan to "clear" Iran in three days has entered its tenth day, with timelines now stretching into weeks. Iran's missile capacity remains intact, with Tehran claiming it can sustain eight months of daily strikes against Israel and the Persian Gulf.
By closing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has driven Brent crude to $109 per barrel, with futures hitting $114. Domestically, US public support for the war is plummeting, hovering between 23% and 27%. Even the MAGA base, the ideological core of the Republican party, views the war in Iran as unacceptable.
New York Times: Iran better prepared for war than Trump or generals expected
According to the New York Times, Iran is more military-ready than the Trump administration anticipated. This is evidenced by the casualty count; since the joint US-Israeli operation began on February 28, retaliatory strikes have officially claimed 20 lives, though Iran claims the number of dead and wounded is closer to 650. Iranian tactics have shifted to become less predictable and more extensive, moving away from providing advance warnings of targets.
Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran's new Supreme Leader – IRGC pledges loyalty
The Fars News Agency confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named successor to his late father. On the night of March 8, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially swore allegiance to the new leader, expressing readiness to fulfill "divine instructions."
Who is the new Supreme Leader of Iran?
Born in 1969 in Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei has historically remained in the shadows, coordinating relations between the clergy and the IRGC for two decades. He was a key figure in the suppression of the 2009 Green Movement protests. While traditionally the role of Rahbar requires the rank of Ayatollah, and Mojtaba previously held the lower rank of Hujjat al-Islam, he has been referred to as an Ayatollah since 2022 to facilitate his succession.
Sanctions against Mojtaba Khamenei
The new leader has been under US sanctions for nearly seven years for exercising delegated powers from his father. A Bloomberg report also alleged he owns luxury real estate in London's Kensington district worth £50 million. Iran has not officially commented on these property claims.
Trump calls Mojtaba Khamenei "insignificant"
President Trump expressed a desire to be personally involved in selecting Iran's new leader, dismissively stating, "Khamenei's son is a nothing." He warned that unless the new leadership brings "harmony and peace," the United States could face a protracted military conflict.
Americans, you will regret this
The Iranian General Staff has countered that under Mojtaba's command, America and other enemies will regret any aggression. The IRGC emphasized that his election would make the "bitter death" of the late leader tolerable for the nation.
Trump to Times of Israel: Ending the war is a discussion with Netanyahu
In a recent interview, Trump noted that the decision to end military operations against Iran would be a mutual one made with Netanyahu. This comes as Chicago University scholars warn that the US must make a critical decision regarding continued operations following the failure of regime change efforts.
US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain targeted again
Powerful explosions rocked the US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Manama, Bahrain. Footage shared on social media showed the night sky illuminated by fires and thick black smoke.
Russia: US to suffer massive losses in ground operation
A Russian military expert warned that a ground invasion of Iran would not mirror Iraq or Afghanistan. Losses would be "exponential" due to the lack of defense against FPV drones. The expert noted that Iran's mountainous terrain makes it impossible to protect armored vehicles from drone swarms, a factor that has so far discouraged Washington from sending ground forces.
Bild: Thousands of Americans vote to send Barron Trump to Iran
The German newspaper Bild reports that a viral petition with thousands of signatures is calling for the President's youngest son, Barron Trump, to be sent to Iran as a member of the military. The hashtag #SendBarron has gained traction as public anger grows over the potential deployment of ground troops.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments