Iran fires fresh missiles at Israel after Mojtaba Khamenei takes charge as country's supreme leader

Tehran (Web Desk / Agencies): Iran launched missiles at Israel early Monday in the name of its newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, chosen to succeed his slain father despite US and Israeli threats.

Nine days after the strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Shia clerics met to select the country’s third supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. On state television, an announcer read a statement from the 88-member Assembly of Experts beside a photo of the 56-year-old Mojtaba, who bears a strong resemblance to his father.

“Mojtaba Khamenei is appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the respected representatives of the Assembly of Experts,” the announcement said, adding that the clerics “did not hesitate for a minute” despite “the brutal aggression of the criminal America and the evil Zionist regime.” State media later showed a missile launched at Israel with the slogan, “At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba.” Explosions were also reported in Qatar, home to a major US air base.

Weeks earlier, Iranian security forces had crushed nationwide protests, killing thousands. Mojtaba Khamenei is considered a hardliner who will continue his father’s rejection of dissent. Trump dismissed him as a “lightweight” and told ABC News, “If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long.” Israel warned any successor that “we will not hesitate to target you.” China described the appointment as an internal matter.

As Iran retaliated against Gulf neighbors, oil prices rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump called it a “small price to pay” for neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat. Markets in Japan and South Korea opened sharply lower, and the State Department ordered non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia following a drone strike on the US embassy.

The Revolutionary Guards, loyal to the new leader, said they were “ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands” of Mojtaba Khamenei. Israel had struck five oil facilities near Tehran, killing at least four, while Dubai faced flight disruptions. Residents reported smoke and toxic fumes, with one saying, “The air has become unbreathable. I can't even go out to do the daily shopping… At first, I supported this war… But since yesterday… people say there's not even any gasoline left at the gas stations.”

Trump offered mixed messages, demanding “unconditional surrender” but also claiming the war is nearly won. The US military reported its seventh combat death in Saudi Arabia.

The Revolutionary Guards warned they could continue drone and missile operations for six months. Israel struck a hotel in Beirut, targeting five Revolutionary Guards Qods Force commanders; Lebanon’s health ministry reported four dead, 10 injured, and at least 394 killed in Israeli airstrikes since the war began.

Iran also fired new missiles at Israel, injuring six in Tel Aviv. Bahrain and Kuwait reported casualties and damage from attacks, while Iran claimed 1,200 civilians had been killed and 10,000 wounded.

Pope Leo XIV prayed “that the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open.”

Azerbaijan reopened its border with Iran for cargo, after earlier accusing Iran of drone strikes. Tehran denied the accusations, suggesting Israel staged the attacks.