Iran’s Khamenei says enemy ‘defeated’ in written Nowruz message

In a written Nowruz message broadcast on Iranian television, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran's enemies are being "defeated" despite ongoing attacks from the US and Israel. Khamenei praised the Iranian people's resilience and declared the new year as one of "resistance economy under national unity and national security." He claimed that the unity among Iranians, despite their differences, has led to the enemy's defeat. Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father's assassination in February, asserted that the US and Israel miscalculated by believing attacks would lead to the government's overthrow. He added that the enemy's plan to dominate and dismember Iran has failed, resulting in a "fracture" within their ranks.

According to Iran's IRGC, spokesperson Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes. The IRGC announced Naini's death on Friday, stating he was killed in a "criminal cowardly terrorist attack." This comes amid escalating attacks and assassinations of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February. Naini's death occurred shortly after he affirmed Iran's continued missile production capabilities on national television. The Israeli army reported carrying out strikes across eastern Tehran as Iran marks the Persian New Year. The recent events have created a somber atmosphere in Tehran.

Following the assassinations of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani in March 2026, questions have arisen regarding Iran's leadership and power dynamics. The assassinations, which began with attacks by Israel and the US in late February, have created uncertainty about the chain of command. While Mojtaba Khamenei has been announced as the new Supreme Leader, his lack of experience and reported injuries raise concerns. Analysts suggest that lesser-known figures may rise to power, and Iran might delay naming a successor to Larijani for security reasons. Potential influential figures include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Saeed Jalili. The situation remains fluid, with the exact power structure in Tehran unclear.

According to Israeli national security sources, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not effectively controlling the regime. Since his father's death in late February, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances, with some reports claiming he was injured in the strike that killed his father. Despite Iranian officials' claims of good health, sources suggest Mojtaba is an "empty entity" and the Iranian leadership is "broken" and "misfunctioning." A message attributed to Mojtaba was broadcast on Iranian state TV, vowing revenge for recent Israeli strikes that have killed several senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. These strikes are part of what the IDF describes as a continuing and successful effort.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with Iran intensifying attacks on Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field. Kuwait reported a drone attack that sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, trapping a large percentage of crude and refined products within the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, fighting has renewed between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes hitting both southern Lebanon and Beirut, including city center neighborhoods. These events suggest a widening conflict with potential global economic consequences due to disruptions in oil supply.

Iran launched a missile attack on central Israel, including the Ramat Gan area and Tel Aviv, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The attack, using cluster munitions, killed two people in Ramat Gan and damaged a Tel Aviv train station. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating the attack was retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij paramilitary force, Gholamreza Soleimani. The attack follows escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In response, Iran also executed a man accused of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed on Wednesday that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Katz stated that further "significant surprises" were expected but provided no details. There has been no confirmation of Khatib's death from Iranian sources. Katz also said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the military to kill other targeted senior Iranian officials without further approval. This alleged killing follows previous Israeli actions against other high-ranking Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij force. Khatib was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for alleged cyber activities against the United States and its allies.

A BBC report from Ramat Gan, Israel, details the aftermath of an Iranian cluster bomb strike on an apartment building. The attack killed an elderly couple in their home, leaving a trail of destruction with shrapnel damage and a collapsed living room. While Israeli air defenses typically intercept Iranian missiles, cluster bombs, which disperse multiple munitions, are proving difficult to defend against. According to an Israeli military spokesman, a single missile can carry dozens of these munitions, resulting in numerous impact points. Although casualties from Iranian missile attacks have been relatively low, the increasing use of cluster bombs raises concerns. The attack occurred during the ongoing joint US-Israel campaign against Iran.

On March 18, 2026, Iran confirmed the death of its national security chief, Ali Larijani, following an Israeli air strike. This comes less than three weeks after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel has vowed to "neutralize" the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Larijani, a close confidant of the late Ayatollah, played a key role in Iran's retaliatory actions during the ongoing war in the Middle East. The assassination occurred amidst rising tensions, with Iran threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the US criticizing allies for not assisting in escorting oil tankers.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed Israel killed Iran's intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, which, if confirmed, would be the third high-profile assassination of Iranian leaders in two days. This follows the reported deaths of security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary head Gholamreza Soleimani in Israeli air strikes on Tuesday. Iran has not confirmed Khatib's death but will hold funerals for Larijani and Soleimani on Wednesday. Katz also announced that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the military to eliminate other senior Iranian officials without requiring further approval. The alleged assassinations come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran launching a retaliatory missile attack on Israel.

Chinese experts are analyzing recent US and Israeli decapitation strikes in Iran and Venezuela to draw lessons applicable to potential military operations closer to home, specifically regarding Taiwan. Since February 28, 2026, the US and Israel have eliminated several high-ranking Iranian officials, including the supreme leader and military commanders, through targeted strikes. Despite these losses, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks, demonstrating resilience unlike Venezuela's response to a similar US operation. Experts believe Iran's power structure and geographic conditions contribute to its ability to withstand leadership decapitation. One analyst suggests Beijing would view a decapitation strike on Taiwan as part of a larger amphibious landing operation, and that the US would likely need ground forces to achieve regime change in Iran, a factor Beijing would consider for any Taiwan operation.

In March 2026, following the killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted the stability of Iran's political system. Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic is designed to endure disruptions, even the loss of high-ranking officials. He emphasized that the system's strength lies in its structure, preventing any single individual from destabilizing it. The statement was made in response to concerns about the potential impact of the targeted killings on Iran's internal affairs and regional influence. The foreign minister's comments aimed to reassure both domestic and international audiences about the resilience of the Iranian government.

On March 17, 2026, Al Jazeera reported that Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief. According to Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara, the assassination was carried out by Israel with the intention of disrupting potential talks between the United States and Iran. Bishara stated that this action is part of a broader Israeli strategy to prolong the war and potentially instigate regime change in Iran. The assassination and its alleged motivations are presented as a continuation of what Bishara describes as a pattern of targeted killings by Israel. The report highlights the potential impact of the assassination on diplomatic relations and regional stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has blamed the US and Israel for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, amid an ongoing war that began on February 28th. Araghchi called on the UN and other nations to condemn the "military aggression" and demand an end to it. The conflict has caused a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude rising over 40%. While Iran claims the strait is open to allies, a senior IRGC advisor previously threatened to close it. The US has called for a naval coalition to secure the waterway, but France has refused to participate. Several nations are reportedly negotiating with Iran for safe passage.

Israel claims to have killed Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, in recent airstrikes. If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since the start of the war, potentially removing a key figure from Iran's political and security establishment. The alleged killing comes amidst rising oil and gas prices, triggered by Iran's successful attacks on production facilities. Brent crude reached $103.2 a barrel on Tuesday. Confirmation of Larijani's death could have significant implications for the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, were "eliminated" in a Tehran strike. Katz stated he was informed of the event by the Chief of Staff. The alleged killings follow a previous strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February. Iranian state media acknowledged Larijani's existence through a published note, but there was no official comment from Tehran regarding Katz's statement. Larijani, a former parliamentary speaker and advisor, was a key figure in Iranian politics and nuclear strategy. Soleimani headed the Basij, a major Iranian paramilitary organization.

The article reports on the potential assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, allegedly by Israel. The author argues that Larijani's death would be a significant blow to Iran, possibly greater than the loss of Supreme Leader Khamenei, due to Larijani's influence and connections within Iran and with foreign powers like China and Russia. His removal eliminates a potential figure who could have facilitated a ceasefire or transition in leadership, similar to Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela. The article suggests this loss also highlights the lack of viable alternative leaders within Iran recognized by the US, as Trump has refused to endorse Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah.

Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian politician and national security official, has died at the age of 67. Larijani was a close advisor to the former Supreme Leader of Iran and a significant figure in Iranian politics. He played a key role in navigating Iran's internal political landscape. Larijani also led the government's response to protests that occurred earlier this year. His death marks the loss of a powerful and influential figure within the Iranian government.

Ali Larijani is a top security official in Iran and a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become the prominent face of the Iranian government. He is a key figure in Iranian politics and national security. The article highlights Larijani's rise to prominence after a significant event, positioning him as a central figure in the country's leadership. His close relationship with the former leader underscores his influence and importance within the Iranian political system.

Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief and a key figure in shaping national strategy, was killed in an Israeli air strike. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was central to decisions on war, diplomacy, and national security, especially regarding the US and Israel. His death, confirmed by state media, follows a series of killings of senior Iranian officials, suggesting a deliberate effort to weaken Iran's leadership during wartime. Larijani was managing the ongoing war, domestic unrest, and stalled nuclear negotiations at the time of his death. His removal leaves these crises unresolved and creates a leadership vacuum amid a fragile situation, with any successor facing immediate risk.

Ali Larijani, a powerful and central figure in Iranian politics for decades, has been assassinated. The Iranian government confirmed the death of Larijani, who held the position of security chief, on March 17, 2026. This marks the highest-ranking Iranian official assassination since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani's death is a significant event due to his long-standing influence and high-level position within the Iranian government. The assassination occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, although the article does not specify the location.

Amidst a Middle East crisis, Iran's foreign minister accuses Israel of "ecocide" due to strikes on Tehran fuel depots, citing health and environmental consequences. Donald Trump is pressuring allies to join a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route effectively closed due to the conflict. Japan and Australia have declined to send warships, while the UK considers deploying minesweeping drones. Trump aims to unveil the coalition list this week, but responses from countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia have been muted. The Strait's closure is causing global energy supply concerns.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump called for nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its safety and openness amidst rising oil prices due to the US and Israel's war on Iran. This call comes as Iran's military effectively blocks the strait in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. While the US Secretary of Energy claimed to be in dialogue with some countries, no immediate commitments have been made. China stated its responsibility to ensure stable energy supply and willingness to communicate for de-escalation. Iran claims the strait is open to all except the US and its allies, with the decision for safe passage of other vessels left to its military.

The conflict in Iran and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz highlights vulnerabilities in global energy and maritime sectors, particularly for Asian economies. The Strait is a critical route for oil and liquefied natural gas, and disruptions lead to increased shipping costs and reduced capacity as companies reroute vessels. Countries like Japan and South Korea, heavily reliant on energy imports through the Strait, are more exposed than China, which has diversified its energy sources. While Hong Kong benefits from energy imports from mainland China, its role as a global shipping hub is threatened by potential disruptions to international bunkering. The situation underscores the urgency for Hong Kong and other regions to transition to greener shipping and enhance energy security.

Iranian authorities have arrested dozens of individuals across multiple provinces, accusing them of spying for Israel. The arrests were reported by state media over the weekend, with the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated news agencies announcing the operations. Suspects are accused of providing Israel with sensitive information, including the coordinates of Iranian military sites, economic infrastructure, public places, academic institutions, and research centers. The arrests included a 20-person group in Urmia, a 10-member group in Mazandaran province, and another 10-member network in Khorasan Razavi province. The Iranian government claims these individuals were "enemy operatives" working to undermine national security.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated the conflict with Iran could persist for several weeks, impacting global oil and petrol prices. Wright defended the military action as necessary to eliminate Iran's threat to the Middle East and its ability to destabilize energy markets. He stated the administration aims to prevent further attacks on American soldiers and halt Iran's nuclear weapons program. Oil prices have risen, exceeding $103 per barrel, due to Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for oil and LNG. President Trump has called on countries like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to deploy warships to ensure the Strait remains open.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated there are "no guarantees" oil prices will decrease in the near future. His statement is based on the continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil tankers. Iran's recent actions, including firing projectiles and deploying mines, have made the Strait unsafe for passage. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for oil shipments, and disruptions there can significantly impact global oil prices. Wright's comments highlight the potential for continued high oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a death threat against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to statements published by Iranian news agencies on Sunday. The threat comes amid ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which escalated after a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran began on February 28. Iran has retaliated with attacks against Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Despite the tensions, Iran's top diplomat stated that the country is open to proposals that would lead to a complete end to the US-Israel war on Iran.