Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of its late supreme leader, as his successor amid escalating conflict in the region. The Islamic Republic's war strategy now has a new commander, with the powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard pledging allegiance. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disdain for the new leader, calling him "unacceptable."
Key Takeaways
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader, as his successor amid escalating conflict. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel as both sides targeted civilian areas.
- Iran names new supreme leader, signaling continued war strategy
- Oil prices exceed $100 per barrel due to escalating conflict
- Civilian targets hit on both sides, including desalination plants and oil depots
- U.S. confirms another soldier's death; Saudi Arabia reports first deaths
- Israeli military warns of prolonged conflict as displacements and casualties rise
Oil prices shot above $100 a barrel as both sides in the war struck new targets over the weekend, including civilian areas. Bahrain accused Iran of hitting one of its desalination plants crucial for drinking water in Gulf countries. Israel struck oil depots in Tehran, sending up thick smoke and causing environmental alerts.
The U.S. announced another soldier's death while Saudi Arabia reported its first deaths from the conflict. Anger grew in Arab countries over Iran's launching of hundreds of missiles and drones around the region. The Israeli military's chief of staff warned that the war "will take a long time."
Iran did not publicly update its death toll over the weekend, maintaining figures above 1,200 previously reported. More Iranians fled the country as Israel attacked both Iran and Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, displacing over half a million people and killing more than 300.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed "many surprises" in the next phase of the war. Israel said it destroyed key military targets, including missile production facilities. Eleven people have died in Israel since the conflict began, with multiple daily alerts about incoming projectiles, most intercepted.
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