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.

Published on March 20, 2026, the article focuses on Israel's political elite, characterizing them as "messianic" and unbound by limitations. The article suggests this group is operating without restraint, though the specific actions or policies driving this assessment are not detailed in the provided context. The article appears on a news platform that covers a range of global topics, including the Middle East, and is positioned alongside content related to US-Israel relations, Iran, and regional conflicts. The "why" behind this characterization is not explicitly stated but implied to be related to the political elite's actions and approach to governance.

Videos published by local Israeli platforms on March 20, 2026, show Iranian missile fragments impacting northern Israel. The videos document the aftermath of the impacts, revealing debris scattered across the affected areas. The source of the missile fragments is identified as Iranian, according to the news report. The article does not elaborate on the extent of the damage or any potential casualties resulting from the impacts. The reason for the missile launch or the intended target within northern Israel is not specified in this brief news report.

In a news conference on March 20, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles following 20 days of US-Israeli air strikes. He stated that the strikes are decimating Iran's missile and drone arsenal by destroying factories producing components for missiles and nuclear weapons. The US and Israel launched the air attacks on February 28 after mediated talks regarding Iran's nuclear program collapsed. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and other Gulf countries and limiting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu noted that it is too soon to determine if the conflict will lead to the overthrow of the Iranian government.

Foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, convened in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss a unified response to increasing Iranian retaliatory actions. The meeting was prompted by Iranian strikes targeting energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, following Israeli attacks on Iranian officials and infrastructure. The diplomats aimed to address the threats to regional stability and the global economy caused by the escalating conflict. The attending nations, all impacted by the ongoing war, sought to formulate a common strategy in response to Iran's actions and assert their right to self-defense. A joint statement was issued on Thursday confirming the meeting and its goals.

On day 20 of the Israel-Iran war, March 19, 2026, the conflict escalated with attacks on energy infrastructure. Israel struck Iran's South Pars gasfield, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against oil and gas facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These attacks followed the assassination of senior Iranian security officials, including the Intelligence Minister, by Israel, which led to threats of retaliation from Iran's Supreme Leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) followed through on its warning to attack neighboring Gulf states following the strike on South Pars. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Director of National Intelligence is under scrutiny for allegedly altering Senate testimony related to Iran.

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.

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 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.

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.