Mojtaba Khamenei becomes Iran’s supreme leader as missiles pound region

Mojtaba Khamenei has been declared Iran’s new Supreme Leader as explosions rocked Tehran and the region braced for even fiercer conflict.

The 56‑year‑old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was selected by the Assembly of Experts in a rushed vote widely believed to have been driven by Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards. His father was killed last week in an Israeli strike that decapitated the top of the regime and plunged the Middle East into its most dangerous week in decades.

Mojtaba, a seasoned political strategist with long‑standing IRGC ties and years of behind‑the‑scenes influence, now steps in to lead a nation already under fire.

Tehran burned overnight after Israeli strikes hit oil depots, sending flames towering over the capital as Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and the UAE in retaliation.

Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv as at least ten explosions were heard. Six people were injured, one seriously, while the UAE also reported incoming fire. Israel said it killed Abu al‑Qassem Baba’iyan, head of Iran’s Military Office, in its latest operation.

US President Donald Trump said the conflict had entered its “second week” and warned that more American action was coming. He also took aim at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying the US “doesn’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won.”

Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen said further strikes were planned and insisted that “all targets that will help us harm the current regime in Iran are on the table.”

Mojtaba’s rise, his leadership, begins under fire, with Tehran ablaze, missiles in the air, and the region bracing for whatever comes next.