Iran’s military and political leadership have pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been named the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
The show of loyalty comes amid intensifying attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, with explosions reported in the cities of Tehran and Qom. Israeli strikes on oil facilities earlier sent toxic smoke billowing across the Iranian capital.
Iranian officials say the country’s leadership and armed forces remain united despite the escalation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iranians are prepared to defend their sovereignty, accusing Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts that were under way before the attacks.
Baghaei also alleged that the United States aims to weaken Iran and gain control of its oil resources, describing the military action as a violation of international norms.
Meanwhile, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes that triggered air-raid sirens across several Israeli cities, including Haifa and Dimona.
The conflict has also spread across the region. In Beirut, residents are reportedly on edge after Israel warned it could target branches of a Hezbollah-linked financial institution, while large crowds in Kuwait City gathered for the funeral of security personnel killed in attacks linked to the wider confrontation.
As the war intensifies, global oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about broader economic and security implications worldwide.