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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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Markets Steady as U.S. Signals Protection for Hormuz Shipping

 

Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026


Global markets showed signs of relief after President Donald Trump indicated that the United States is prepared to safeguard oil and gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy flows. His assurances came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where recent conflict had sharply disrupted tanker traffic and driven up energy prices.

Oil shipments through the strait had nearly halted due to fears of attacks and soaring war‑risk insurance costs, prompting concerns about supply shortages. Trump stated that the U.S. may deploy Navy escorts and provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels. These measures helped calm market volatility and stabilize crude prices, which had surged following regional escalations. 

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments, making any disruption immediately felt across global markets. By signaling a willingness to intervene, the U.S. aimed to restore confidence among shippers and energy traders, easing fears of prolonged supply interruptions. 

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