With Iran electing Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, as its Supreme Leader, and US President Donald Trump sending a delegation to Israel to discuss the... end of the war, the head of the Israeli army (IDF) called on the public to prepare for the possibility that the war in Iran will last a long time. This admission proves that the Americans and Israelis have truly found themselves in a difficult position against the Iranians, who are not only continuing but intensifying their missile attacks against Israel and American targets across the broader Middle East, including Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
In fact, Saudi Arabia warned that if Iran continues its attacks, it could lead to further escalation with profound consequences for the relations between the two states. At the same time, a nationwide gathering has been called in Iran to express loyalty and support for the new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, to whom the Revolutionary Guards have already pledged their obedience. For its part, Israel continues to strike targets in Iran as well as in Beirut and southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reports fierce battles with Israeli soldiers.
Eyal Zamir (IDF Chief): The war will last a long time...
Indicative are the statements of the head of the Israeli army (IDF), Eyal Zamir, who warned that the war in Iran will continue for a long time. "It will still take a lot of time. You must be prepared for this, however long it lasts, because... it will last," stated Zamir, acknowledging the "prolonged state of emergency" in which the Israeli public has lived since the start of the war with Hamas in October 2023. Zamir mentioned that Israel will target Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as well as those who elected him. "We want to tell you that the hand of the State of Israel will continue to pursue every successor and every person who seeks to appoint a successor," the IDF stated.
Trump: I am not satisfied with the election of Mojtaba Khamenei
Donald Trump, commenting to the media on the election of Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as the Supreme Leader of Iran, stated that he is "not satisfied" and will be monitoring the development of events.
Iran sows chaos in the Gulf - Bahrain's main refinery in flames
Despite threats from Israel and the IDF, Iran continues to sow chaos in the Gulf states. The main Bapco oil refinery in Bahrain became a target following an Iranian drone attack, with the government reporting injuries and damage, while attacks were also reported in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's state oil company declared force majeure on its shipments after the Iranian attack caused a fire at its refinery.
The state news agency Bahrain News Agency published the notice of force majeure, a legal action that exempts a company from its contractual obligations due to extraordinary circumstances. The announcement stated that the company's operations "have been affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex." Meanwhile, the company emphasizes that local demand can still be met. State media report that the attack targeting the large Al Ma’ameer oil facility in Bahrain caused a fire in the complex as well as material damage.
Warnings of escalation
Indeed, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran, describing Tehran's attacks targeting the kingdom and its neighbors in the Gulf as "unacceptable." The Saudi Foreign Ministry argued that these attacks by Iran cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances. Furthermore, it warned that these attacks would damage the relations of Arab states in the long term, stating that Tehran will be the "biggest loser" if it continues to attack Arab states. This stance comes after a new drone attack targeted Saudi Arabia's massive Shaybah oil field.
Intercepted Iranian drone at US base in Iraq
Iraqi air defenses shot down a drone as it approached Base Victoria, a US military facility within Baghdad International Airport. It is not immediately clear who is behind the attack. Pro-Iranian Iraqi paramilitary groups, such as Saraya Awliya al-Dam, have targeted the base in the past. It is also reported that Iran carried out a drone and missile attack on a US military base in the Erbil region.
Pounding of Tel Aviv and the Negev desert
Iran launched a new wave of missile retaliation, targeting positions of the Israeli regime in occupied territories, including Tel Aviv and the Negev desert, as part of its defensive response to ongoing attacks.
Israeli sources confirmed the new wave of Iranian missiles launched against targets of the Israeli regime in various areas. Israeli media broadcast the activation of sirens as well as powerful explosions in Tel Aviv and Ashdod. Simultaneously, attacks occurred in Tel Aviv, the Negev desert, and at a US military base. The 29th wave of Operation True Promise 4, using an advanced generation of Revolutionary Guard missiles, has begun.
Nationwide gathering for support of Mojtaba Khamenei
At the same time, Iran announced a nationwide gathering today, Monday 3/9, to express loyalty to the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran's Islamic Propaganda Coordination Council called on the public to gather "simultaneously across the country" at 3:00 p.m. local time and "declare their bay’at," the oath of allegiance, according to the state news agency IRNA. In Tehran, the main gathering will take place in the city's central square, Enqelab, IRNA reported. It is noted that the Revolutionary Guards have already declared their loyalty and devotion to the new Supreme Leader.
Iran's stance toward the US will not change
The Iranian regime is not going to change its anti-American stance under the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, an academic and former political prisoner in Iran told CNN. Kian Tajbakhsh, a dual citizen of the US and Iran who was sentenced to prison in 2009 for security-related offenses, also stated his belief that "the Iranian regime will continue to oppress its people."
"The IRGC (Revolutionary Guards) and the new Supreme Leader are steadfastly opposed to the US and to Israel," he said, referring to his past experiences where he was told that Americans are enemies and that he was considered a "traitorous Iranian." "So, one thing that the choice of the new Supreme Leader shows me is that the regime is not going to reconsider its anti-American stance," he added. The academic stated that the regime has maintained strong control over the country despite the blows its leadership has taken and warns citizens not to hold protests. He emphasized that he sees no room for change in the short term. "But if this military operation cracks the regime, it is possible we will see such an opening for the people of Iran," he said.
Trump sends Witkoff, Kushner to Israel for meeting with Netanyahu
The US President's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and American businessman Jared Kushner intend to travel tomorrow, Tuesday 3/10, to Israel for a meeting with the country's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Axios, citing sources. "White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, intend to travel to Israel on Tuesday and meet Prime Minister Netanyahu," Axios journalist Barak Ravid wrote on X. In statements to the newspaper Times of Israel, Trump mentioned that the decision to terminate the operation against Iran will be made jointly with Netanyahu.
Iranian President's communication with Emmanuel Macron: Attacks against Iran incompatible with international law
The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned against any action by France that would support the attackers against Iran, emphasizing that such moves would be considered participation in the ongoing conflict. In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Pezeshkian and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, discussed regional developments following the imposed and illegal war by the US and the Israeli regime against Iran.
As the Tasnim agency reports, Pezeshkian mentioned that the US, for the second time during negotiations, launched an illegal attack against Iran in coordination with the Israeli regime, describing this action as a violation of international law. He also referred to attacks against civilian targets, such as schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. The Iranian President emphasized that all of Iran's actions are within the framework of self-defense. He warned that any involvement of other countries, including France, whether offensive or defensive, in support of the attackers would be considered direct participation in the war, according to his official website. He stressed that such actions would complicate and escalate the situation in the region, noting that the Iranian government, the people, and the Armed Forces remain determined to defend the country. For his part, Macron expressed regret for the loss of Iranian citizens and stated that France considers the attacks incompatible with international law, adding that his country is not involved in the conflict.
Expanding strategic targets of attacks and declaring defiance
The Iranian news agency Fars reported that Iran has moved toward a strategic change in its target priorities following recent attacks on its energy infrastructure. According to the report, Iran will expand its attacks beyond military targets and facilities connected to the United States and Israel in the region, and the revised target list now includes significant economic and strategic interests of the US and Israel throughout the region.
The source added that the decision reflects a response to US and Israeli officials who, after failing to influence the Iranian people, resorted to public threats. The report emphasized that the recent US-Israeli attack has caused widespread damage to Iran's infrastructure, including schools, healthcare centers, and other important civilian facilities, highlighting the broader consequences for the population. The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that President Donald Trump made a "big mistake" in thinking that Iran would submit after a few days of war. "Without a doubt, our nation and our people will not submit," Qalibaf stated. "They will fight, they will struggle, and they will not submit." The parliament speaker warned that Iran would proceed with retaliation against any Persian Gulf country that allows the United States to use its bases for attacks on Tehran. Furthermore, he reiterated the comments of the Revolutionary Guard spokesperson, who had warned that "if the war against infrastructure continues, we will respond without hesitation."
Target again for the Iranians... the US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain... chaos from explosions
Powerful explosions were heard at the US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Manama, Bahrain, according to the Iranian media outlet Naya, and a video was posted by the Telegram channel Mediterranean Man. The video shows the night sky over the capital of Bahrain illuminated by the glow of fire, enveloped in thick black smoke.
Russia: The US will suffer massive losses in case of a ground operation in Iran
The US faces massive losses if it decides to conduct a ground operation in Iran, a Russian military expert emphasized. "This will not be like in Iraq or Afghanistan. American losses will increase exponentially, if not by an order of magnitude. Because, I remind you again, there is currently no effective defense against FPV drones," the expert believes. He also emphasized that the Iranians have been preparing for a major confrontation for 40 years and, if necessary, will repel American troops. The terrain of Iran would favor defense in the event of a ground operation—the country is mountainous, which means the American military would not be able to protect its armored vehicles from drones. US President Trump has stated that Washington does not yet intend to send ground forces to Iran.
Deadly weapons - Iran used new generation "Etemad" missiles - Invisible to radar, cannot be intercepted
In combat operations over the last 24 hours, Iran used a new generation of Emad missiles that are almost invisible to radar and therefore very difficult to intercept. In the images released from the 25th wave of Operation "Odeh Sadeq," there are indications of the use of an upgraded version of this missile. Following Operation "Odeh Sadeq 1," the Ministry of Defense proceeded with a significant upgrade of the Emad missiles, presenting the new version under the name "Etemad." This upgrade focuses mainly on the warhead section of the missile. In the past, the Emad head was monoconical, guided, and detachable from the missile body. In the new version, the "Etemad" missile, while the range and many of the general characteristics have been maintained, used a triconical warhead with guidance fins.
Israeli bombings: We hit a Revolutionary Guard base
The Israeli military IDF announced a new series of air attacks in central Iran, claiming to target "infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime." Specifically, they report hitting a base used by the Revolutionary Guards and Basij forces. They also claim to have hit targets in the city of Isfahan, targeting security forces there. The Israeli military states that the Air Force, under the guidance of the Military Intelligence Service, attacked command centers of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij volunteer force in the region. The IDF also reports hitting a missile engine production facility and missile launch sites.
Attacks on Hezbollah targets in Beirut
The IDF reports hitting a Hezbollah target in Beirut. Earlier, there were loud explosions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with thick smoke rising from the area.
Fierce battles with Hezbollah
New clashes reportedly broke out in eastern Lebanon as Israeli forces landed by helicopter on the Lebanon-Syria border, in the area where they recently conducted a failed operation to recover the remains of aviator Ron Arad, missing since the 1980s. "Fierce clashes are taking place... toward the outskirts of the town of Nabi Chit to repel the Israeli forces that landed by helicopter on the peaks of the eastern mountain region toward the Lebanon-Syria border and are trying to advance," Lebanon's state news agency, the National News Agency, reported. Two Hezbollah sources told AFP under condition of anonymity that an Israeli helicopter in the area was shot down by the organization. Israeli media report that the claim is baseless. In a subsequent official announcement, Hezbollah states that it detected "the infiltration of about 15 Israeli enemy helicopters" from the Syrian side of the border into eastern Lebanon. The group states that its fighters "engaged with the helicopters and the infiltrating force with appropriate weapons, and the confrontation continues." The IDF claimed it has no information regarding Hezbollah's claims of night clashes and a helicopter shoot-down.
7 - officially - dead American soldiers following the attack on Iran
The number of American military personnel killed since the start of the American operation against Iran has reached seven, as reported by the regional command US Central Command (CENTCOM). "A member of the US Armed Forces succumbed to injuries sustained in Iran's initial counterattacks," the statement on the X platform said. "This is the seventh soldier killed during Operation Epic Wrath." The deceased, according to information, was a member of a unit stationed in Saudi Arabia and was seriously injured on March 1st.
Military Chronicle - The US cannot ensure navigation in the Straits of Hormuz
No desire to clear the Straits of Hormuz is visible in the actions of the United States, with assessments converging that Washington is no longer able to guarantee free passage. The United States does not appear ready to prevent Iran from blocking this strategic passage, according to reports from the news network "Military Chronicle." Analysts point out that while in the first days of the conflict Tehran seemed to be experimenting with methods of restricting ships, now any ambiguity has been eliminated. Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) units are launching attacks with missiles and sea drones against tankers that oppose the ban imposed in the area.
The American Conservative - Iran is "draining" stockpiles and leaving the US exposed to Russia
The United States is no longer able to contain Russia due to the rapid depletion of its weapon stockpiles in the war with Iran, John Dale Grover emphasizes in an analysis for The American Conservative magazine, sounding the alarm for Washington's military readiness on a global level. According to Grover, every day that the war continues, the US consumes its limited missile stockpiles, the replenishment of which will require billions of dollars and valuable time. The analyst points out that the faster the United States can declare victory and withdraw its forces, the more capabilities they will have to contain China, Russia, and North Korea using conventional equipment. The extension of the conflict with the Islamic Republic is expected to deliver a "strong blow" to the military stockpiles necessary for the American presence in other critical regions of the planet. Meanwhile, The National Interest magazine reports that President Donald Trump risks becoming involved in an eternal war with Iran. Despite the initial goal, which was to overthrow the government in Tehran, the American leader's administration seems to be adjusting the desired outcome according to the development of military operations, a fact that creates uncertainty about the duration and final outcome of the confrontation.
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