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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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Russia Cuts Off WhatsApp, Pushes Citizens Toward State Messaging App

Russian messenger app MAX is displayed on a smartphone next to the WhatsApp logo. The latter app has been barred in Russia, with authorities pushing state-backed MAX.



Russia has moved to fully block WhatsApp nationwide, escalating its long-running effort to tighten control over digital communication. Officials claim the platform failed to comply with domestic regulations, prompting authorities to shut down access for millions of users.

In place of WhatsApp, the government is promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging service it describes as secure, reliable, and aligned with national interests. Russian officials argue that relying on foreign platforms poses risks, while critics warn that the shift could expand state surveillance and limit private communication.

The move fits into a broader pattern of Russia steering users toward homegrown digital ecosystems as it seeks greater control over information flows and online activity.

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