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

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.

Amidst the ongoing war with Iran, the US is seeking support from its East Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump is expected to discuss the matter with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, despite previously stating that the US doesn't need assistance. Japan's pacifist constitution restricts the deployment of its Maritime Self-Defence Force, creating a legal challenge for potential involvement. Japan relies on Middle Eastern energy supplies, making the Strait of Hormuz a strategically important location. South Korea may face a similar request, raising questions about mutual defense obligations with the US.

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.

Following the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the killing would not destabilize Iran's political system. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi asserted that Iran's government has a strong political structure that does not rely on any single individual. He referenced the earlier assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting that the system continued despite the loss. Araghchi emphasized that while individuals are influential, the political system is solid and can withstand the removal of key figures. Larijani's death marks the removal of the most senior figure in Tehran’s leadership since the start of US-Israeli strikes.

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, a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a top security official in Iran. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become a prominent figure in the Iranian government. He is now the face of the government, stepping into a leadership role after the death of the previous leader. Larijani's close relationship with Khamenei positions him as a key player in Iran's political landscape. His emergence signifies a potential shift in power dynamics within the country.

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.

Several European countries, including Germany, Italy, and the UK, have rejected Donald Trump's call for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump requested NATO members send warships to protect commercial vessels and ensure oil shipments through the vital waterway, which has been effectively closed by Iran amidst a wider regional conflict. European leaders emphasized diplomatic solutions, with Germany explicitly ruling out military participation, stating "This is not our war." While the UK is working on a plan to reopen the strait, they are not looking to be drawn into a wider war. Other countries, including Australia, France and Japan have also stated they have no plans to send warships.

The upcoming meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump is complicated by escalating Middle East tensions. Trump is expected to press Takaichi to send Japanese warships to the Strait of Hormuz following recent attacks on vessels, aiming to demonstrate allied support against Iran. However, Japan's constitution restricts its participation in overseas military operations, placing Takaichi in a difficult position. The summit at the White House this week is intended to deepen economic cooperation and shipbuilding collaboration, but the Hormuz issue threatens to overshadow these goals. Analysts believe Trump will seek a visible commitment from Japan, while Takaichi likely hopes to avoid making any military pledges.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that multiple countries were joining a US-led naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Trump did not identify the specific countries, stating an official announcement would follow. He had previously called on nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and NATO members to participate, citing their reliance on oil transported through the Strait. However, several countries, including Australia, Japan, Poland, Sweden, Spain and Germany, have rejected military involvement. South Korea and the UK are reportedly reviewing the situation, with the UK considering offering mine-hunting drones.

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.

In March 2026, Japan began releasing oil from its emergency reserves in response to a global energy crisis. This crisis was triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, amid a war with the US and Israel. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Japan would unilaterally release 80 million barrels, preceding a coordinated effort by the IEA to release 400 million barrels globally. The move aims to stabilize the market amid concerns about disrupted oil supplies through the Strait, a critical waterway for global oil transport. Despite the IEA's efforts, oil prices have remained elevated, with Brent crude rising significantly since the start of the conflict. Japan has stated it will not deploy its navy to the Strait.

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.

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.

Donald Trump is urging countries that rely on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to send warships to help keep the waterway open and safe, claiming Iran's actions threaten global oil supply. Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. has significantly weakened Iran but needs assistance securing the Strait from potential Iranian attacks. He specifically called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to contribute ships. Trump vowed a strong U.S. response, including bombing the shoreline and targeting Iranian vessels, until the Strait is open and secure. He emphasized that countries benefiting from the oil passage should share the responsibility, with the U.S. offering coordination and support.

Following a call from former U.S. President Donald Trump, the UK is considering sending ships and mine-hunting drones to the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen the vital waterway. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the UK is in discussions with allies, including the U.S., about how to secure the strait, which is crucial for global oil supply. The potential deployment comes after the strait's effective closure led to a surge in oil prices, raising concerns about energy costs and inflation in Western countries. Trump urged the UK, China, and other nations affected by the disruption to send naval vessels to the region, while also making claims about the U.S. military's actions in the area. The UK is exploring all options to contribute to reopening the strait.

The UK is considering sending minesweeping drones to the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen the vital waterway for oil exports. This plan is in response to rising concerns about escalating the crisis by sending ships, as requested by US President Trump. The UK government is exploring options to contribute to the strait's reopening, including mine-hunting drones, in collaboration with its allies. Iran's threat to target ships in the strait has caused oil prices to surge, raising concerns about higher inflation and lower economic growth. Prime Minister Starmer and President Trump discussed the situation, with Starmer emphasizing de-escalation.

Following a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, President Trump has called on China, Britain, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. This request aims to reopen the waterway, a critical passage for global oil supplies. The call for assistance comes despite these nations not being involved in the initial U.S.-Israeli action against Iran. The article suggests that the response from these nations has been cautious, though specific details of their reactions are not provided. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important location due to its role in international oil trade.

Donald Trump is urging countries including the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital shipping route. This call comes after reported attacks on sixteen ships in the strait since the US and Israel began their war against Iran. Trump stated his belief that Iran could still pose a threat to the waterway despite its military capabilities being largely destroyed. He also threatened to bomb the shoreline and target Iran's oil infrastructure if it interferes with ships in the Strait. Iran has responded by threatening to destroy oil and energy infrastructure belonging to firms working with the US should Kharg Island be attacked and has warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel or its partners is a legitimate target.

Amid the ongoing US and Israel war on Iran, President Trump announced that "many countries" would send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. Trump stated that nations affected by the closure, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, would join the US in ensuring the strait remains open and safe. He claimed the US had destroyed Iran's military capabilities but acknowledged Iran's potential to disrupt the waterway. An Iranian official responded that the Strait of Hormuz was under control, not militarily closed, and refuted Trump's claims about destroying Iran's navy. Iran's Foreign Minister clarified that the strait was only closed to enemy ships, not all shipping.

Donald Trump urged the UK and other nations via his Truth Social platform to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trading route, following recent attacks on ships and its effective closure amid conflict with Iran. Trump claimed the US has already destroyed Iran's military capabilities but that Iran still poses a threat to the waterway. He suggested countries affected by the closure, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, should contribute ships to ensure the Strait remains open and safe. Iran has refuted Trump's claims about its military being destroyed. The UK's Ministry of Defence stated they are discussing options with allies to secure shipping in the region.

Following disruptions to global oil supplies due to conflict in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump called on nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, located between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, is a crucial trade route for oil and liquefied natural gas. The US aims to collaborate with these countries to ensure the Strait remains open and safe, as it carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Trump indicated that the US would also begin escorting tankers through the Strait soon.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran in March 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it would block all oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies. The IRGC warned that any vessel linked to the US, Israel, or their allies would be considered a legitimate target. This action, coupled with production slowdowns in some Gulf countries, has roiled global energy markets. The IRGC anticipates oil prices to reach $200 per barrel, despite the release of 400 million barrels from global reserves. The closure of the Strait, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil transits, and attacks on ships in the area have exacerbated concerns about further disruptions and rising prices.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), comprised of 32 member countries, is preparing to release 400 million barrels of oil from its stockpiles. This marks only the fifth time in the IEA's history that it has taken such action. The move is intended to alleviate pressure on global oil prices, which have been affected by geopolitical events such as the conflict in Iran. The IEA was originally formed in response to the 1970s oil crisis to mitigate the impact of disruptions in the oil market. However, there is no certainty that this release will successfully lower prices.

Amid rising tensions over oil shipments, the US military attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This action followed reports that Iran had begun laying mines in the strategically important waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The US military released footage of the attacks shortly after Donald Trump demanded the removal of any Iranian mines in the Strait. Oil shipments have been blocked since US-Israeli strikes on Iran 11 days prior, causing market volatility, further exacerbated by a retracted social media post from the US energy secretary claiming a successful US Navy escort of an oil tanker through the Strait. Iran has threatened to stop any movement of the US fleet and its allies in the region.