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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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A High‑Stakes Address: Trump Prepares for State of the Union Amid Polling Concerns

President Donald Trump leaves after an event in the East Room of the White House on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Washington. 

President Donald Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address at a moment when national polling shows his support softening, creating an unusually high‑pressure backdrop for one of the most watched speeches of the year. While the State of the Union traditionally offers presidents an opportunity to outline their agenda and rally public confidence, this year’s address carries added weight as shifting voter sentiment becomes a central storyline.

Advisers have signaled that Trump plans to emphasize economic themes, national security, and legislative priorities he argues will resonate with undecided voters. The White House is also expected to frame the speech as a reset point, aiming to reassert control over the national narrative and project stability.

Political analysts note that State of the Union speeches rarely transform public opinion on their own, but they can shape momentum—especially when a president faces political headwinds. With polls tightening and public attention high, Trump’s message, tone, and policy focus will be scrutinized closely by supporters and critics alike.

The address may not resolve the challenges reflected in recent surveys, but it marks a pivotal moment in the administration’s effort to regain footing and define the months ahead.


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