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Mojtaba Khamenei: The Rise of Iran’s New Supreme Leader

                      A picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is displayed on a screen in Tehran Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has emerged as Iran’s new supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. His appointment by the Assembly of Experts comes at a moment of profound crisis for Iran, as the country faces regional war, internal instability, and intense international scrutiny.  A Secretive Heir With Deep Establishment Ties Mojtaba, long considered influential behind the scenes, is a mid-ranking cleric with strong connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His political rise signals continuity of Iran’s hardline establishment, despite the country’s ideological discomfort with hereditary succession.  A Leader Shaped by Conflict and Loss His ascension comes amid the “Ramadan War,” during which he was reportedly wound...

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Ex-Russian Transport Minister Found Dead Amid Corruption Probe Fallout

Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead on Monday near his Tesla vehicle in the Moscow region, just hours after being dismissed from his post by President Vladimir Putin. Authorities confirmed that the 53-year-old had suffered a gunshot wound, and a pistol registered in his name was recovered at the scene.

Starovoit’s sudden death has sparked intense speculation, particularly as it follows his abrupt removal from office without explanation. Investigators are treating the case as a possible suicide, though they have not ruled out other scenarios.

Before his appointment as transport minister in May 2024, Starovoit served as governor of the Kursk region, where he oversaw a controversial defense infrastructure project. Allegations have since emerged that billions of rubles allocated for border fortifications may have been embezzled. His successor, Alexei Smirnov, was arrested earlier this year in connection with the scandal and reportedly implicated Starovoit during questioning.

The Kremlin has appointed Andrei Nikitin, former governor of the Novgorod region, as acting transport minister. No official statement has been made by the Transport Ministry regarding Starovoit’s death.

The incident adds to growing concerns over internal instability and accountability within Russia’s political elite, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to strain the country’s infrastructure and economy.

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