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Mojtaba Khamenei’s Rise Sparks Market Turmoil as Hardliners Mobilize

People attend a gathering to support Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026.  Iran’s hardline factions mounted a powerful show of support for newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei , rallying across Tehran in a display that signaled a tightening of conservative control and diminished hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East.  The demonstrations, marked by mass gatherings and imagery linking Mojtaba to his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscored the regime’s consolidation at a moment of heightened regional conflict.  Analysts warn that the hardliners’ unified backing suggests Iran is unlikely to soften its stance amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Global markets reacted sharply. Fears that prolonged instability could further disrupt energy supplies sent oil prices soaring and triggered steep declines in major stock indices. With one of the most significan...

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Trump Trial Turmoil: Jury Disruptions Threaten Court Proceedings

 


The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York City has encountered significant disruptions, casting a shadow over the judicial process. Two jurors have been excused from duty after their personal details were inadvertently disclosed, leading to concerns for their safety and impartiality.

  • Juror Concerns: A nurse, known as “juror number two,” expressed fear for her public identification after friends and colleagues recognized her from news reports. Her apprehension about being fair and unbiased led to her dismissal from the trial.
  • Anonymity Compromised: The trial, which features an anonymous jury to protect against political tensions, has been compromised by detailed media reports. This has resulted in the identification of jurors, including a Puerto Rican IT consultant, “juror number four,” who also expressed annoyance.
  • Judge’s Directive: Justice Juan Merchan has urged journalists to exercise restraint and common sense in their reporting, specifically avoiding physical descriptions and employment details that could lead to juror identification.
  • Intimidation Tactics: The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has highlighted Trump’s continued public comments about the trial, which may violate a gag order. This includes attacks on ex-lawyer-turned-witness Michael Cohen and comments on the jury’s composition.

The trial’s integrity is at stake as the court grapples with ensuring juror safety and maintaining the sanctity of the legal process amidst heightened political scrutiny and media attention.

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