Iran Chooses New Supreme Leader as War Escalates
Iran has reportedly selected a new Supreme Leader following the death of long time leader Ali Khamenei, as the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate across the Middle East.
A senior Iranian cleric and member of the powerful Assembly of Experts, Ahmad Alamolhoda, told state media that the council had already elected a new leader after an internal vote.
However, the identity of the newly chosen leader has not yet been disclosed.
Disagreement Over How to Announce the New Leader
According to reports, members of the Assembly of Experts are currently divided over how and when to publicly announce the successor.
Some members believe the new leader should be announced immediately, while others insist that another formal session of the council is required before the decision can be made public.
Security concerns may also be delaying the announcement. The Israeli military has warned that it will pursue anyone who attempts to succeed Khamenei or take part in the process of appointing his replacement.
In a message posted in Persian on the social platform X, Israel’s military said it would target any individual involved in selecting a new Iranian leader, referring directly to the clerical body responsible for the decision.
Trump Previously Suggested Choosing Iran’s Next Leader
Earlier in the conflict, Donald Trump stated that he would prefer the United States to have a role in determining Iran’s future leadership if American strikes succeeded in collapsing the current regime.
The remarks drew international attention and criticism, as analysts warned such statements could further inflame tensions between Washington and Tehran.
War Enters Ninth Day
The leadership transition comes as the war between Iran and the US Israel alliance enters its ninth day, with attacks intensifying across the region.
Israel carried out new strikes on targets in southern Lebanon, including areas around Beirut, while also hitting oil storage facilities in Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the next phase of the conflict would bring “many surprises.”
Meanwhile, Iran reportedly struck a desalination plant in Bahrain. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also accused the United States of damaging another desalination facility on Qeshm Island, saying Washington had “set the precedent” by targeting such infrastructure.
Oil Facility Strike Lights Up Tehran Sky
An Israeli strike on oil storage sites in Tehran sent massive flames into the night sky, creating towering columns of fire visible across the city.
Footage from journalists on the ground suggested it may be the first time a civilian industrial facility has been directly targeted since the war began.
Rising Death Toll
The conflict, which erupted on 2026 US Israel strikes on Iran, has already caused significant casualties across the region.
Officials report that at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, more than 300 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel since the fighting began.
Analysts say the identity and stance of Iran’s new Supreme Leader could play a decisive role in determining whether the conflict escalates further or moves toward negotiations.
