Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has marked his ascension to power with a provocative gesture, signing a message on a missile directed at Israel. This act came just hours after he assumed leadership, following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli airstrike on February 28.
Defiant Missile Inscription and Immediate Strikes
In one of his first official moves, a picture of a projectile bearing the words "At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba" was posted on the state broadcaster IRIB's Telegram channel. The image, shared widely, underscores the new leader's aggressive stance towards Israel, as he launched initial strikes shortly after his appointment on Sunday.
Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, was named supreme leader by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Assembly of Experts, who pledged allegiance over the weekend. His rise to power occurs amidst escalating conflict, with Israel recently intensifying assaults on Iran's oil and energy infrastructure, leading to thick black smoke over the capital.
International Tensions and Threats
The move directly defies US President Donald Trump, who insisted he should have been consulted on Iran's next leader. Trump warned that Mojtaba "is not going to last long" if he disapproves, previously labeling him an "unacceptable" candidate. Ahead of the announcement, Israel also threatened to target whoever was chosen, highlighting the volatile geopolitical landscape.
Reports have emerged of black "acid rain" falling over parts of Iran following US-Israeli airstrikes on oil depots. Iran's Red Crescent Society cautioned that the oil-contaminated rainfall could be "highly dangerous and acidic," causing headaches and breathing difficulties for residents as it settles on buildings and cars.
Human and Economic Toll
According to Iran's UN ambassador, the US-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands. The US military reported a seventh American death from wounds sustained during Iran's initial counterattack a week ago, a day after Trump presided over the return of six others' remains.
Meanwhile, oil and gas prices have surged above $100 a barrel as the war escalates, impacting global markets. Under Iran's theocratic system, the supreme leader holds ultimate authority over foreign policy, the nuclear programme, and guides the elected government.
Domestic Context and Criticism
Mojtaba Khamenei has faced significant criticism from Iranian protesters, particularly during unrest over the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. He is seen as having leverage over Iran's security apparatus, which has repressed several waves of protests in recent years, adding to domestic tensions amid the international crisis.
