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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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Gulf Tanker Attacks Intensify Amid Rising US‑Iran Tensions

 

At least 150 tankers including crude and liquefied natural gas vessels dropped anchor in open Gulf waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz.



A surge in regional hostilities has left at least three commercial tankers damaged and one seafarer dead off the Gulf coast, underscoring how quickly the US‑Iran confrontation is spilling into global shipping lanes. 

What Happened

  • The tankers were struck as Iranian retaliation followed US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran. The attacks exposed nearby merchant vessels to collateral damage, according to shipping officials. 
  • More than 200 vessels, including oil and liquefied gas tankers, have now dropped anchor around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, as risk levels escalate. 

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for global oil supply, and any disruption reverberates through energy markets. With Iran reportedly restricting navigation through the waterway, shipping companies and governments are reassessing safety protocols and supply chain resilience. 

Broader Regional Impact

The tanker incidents coincide with a widening conflict across the Gulf region. Separate strikes have hit ports and vessels in Oman, signaling that the confrontation is no longer confined to military targets but increasingly affecting commercial infrastructure. 


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