Iranians living in UK tell Starmer that war will only strengthen Tehran regime

On day 11 of the US-Israel war on Iran, March 10, 2026, intense bombardments continue in Tehran, where hundreds of thousands rallied in support of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Despite ongoing attacks, including one on Arak that killed five, Iran vows to continue fighting, rejecting US President Trump's claim of a quick end to the war. Iran accuses the US of intending to partition the country and seize oil. Several nations, including China, Russia, and France, have contacted Iran regarding a ceasefire. Attacks on residential areas in Tehran have resulted in numerous casualties, with Iran reporting over 1,255 deaths and 10,000 injuries. The US is monitoring for potential activation of Iranian sleeper cells within the country.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Donald Trump claimed the conflict with Iran could end "very soon," though Iran stated it would determine the duration of missile attacks. The US president also suggested the US would hit Iran "20 times harder" if it blocked tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel launched new attacks in central Iran and Beirut, targeting Hezbollah. Four Iran-backed fighters were reportedly killed in US airstrikes in northern Iraq. The US will waive oil sanctions on some countries to ease shortages, and Turkey reported that NATO air defenses shot down an Iranian ballistic missile.

On March 10, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that the US and Israel are nearing their war objectives in Iran and that the conflict could end soon. This announcement comes as US and Israeli forces continue their bombardment of Iran. Simultaneously, large gatherings have occurred throughout Iran in support of the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The ongoing conflict involves the US, Israel, and Iran, with the US and Israel conducting attacks while Iranians rally in support of their new leader. The reasons behind the conflict and the specific objectives of the US and Israel were not detailed in this report.

A letter signed by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and over 100 other Iranians living in the UK urges British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to avoid further involvement in the Iran conflict, arguing it strengthens the Tehran regime. The signatories, including former Iranian political prisoners, believe attacks on Iran reinforce the government's narrative of fighting Western imperialism. They propose peaceful measures to support internal opposition, such as providing Starlink internet access to counter communication blackouts. This letter contrasts with some diaspora voices, like Reza Pahlavi, who support attacks on Iran for regime change. The group emphasizes the importance of protecting political prisoners and providing communication tools rather than weapons to support democracy within Iran.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, top clerics selected Mojtaba Khamenei as his successor. This decision occurred despite prior warnings from former U.S. President Trump deeming Khamenei "unacceptable." The selection signals a continuation of the existing political direction in Iran. Simultaneously, global oil markets reacted strongly to the ongoing war, with prices reaching their highest levels since the pandemic began. The price surge reflects increasing concerns about the potential for a protracted conflict and its impact on oil supplies. The events highlight a period of political transition in Iran amidst international tensions.

In March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, who died a week prior in a US-Israeli strike. Celebrations erupted across Iran among supporters of the new leader. However, dismay was also voiced in parts of the capital, where some Iranians chanted against Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment. The succession follows Ali Khamenei's death, marking a significant leadership transition in Iran. The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei has been met with mixed reactions within the country.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli strike, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named the new Supreme Leader of Iran. The announcement was made on Iranian state TV on Monday, March 9, 2026, stating Mojtaba was selected based on "strong" votes. Celebrations reportedly erupted in Tehran after the announcement. Mojtaba Khamenei, who has never held an elected or appointed government position, was considered a potential successor prior to his father's death. The appointment comes amidst a military campaign involving the U.S. and Israel, which has included strikes on Tehran and elsewhere, and has sent oil prices soaring.

Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 9, 2026. US President Donald Trump, who had warned against this selection amidst escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran, expressed his disapproval and suggested the new leader's tenure may be short-lived, hinting at a similar fate to his father. Trump declined to reveal his plans for dealing with the new Iranian leader but stated his unhappiness with the appointment. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed Trump's sentiment, suggesting a similar fate for Mojtaba Khamenei as his father. The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28.

The US and Israel launched airstrikes on targets across Iran on Monday, marking an escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its second week. These strikes coincided with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US bases in the Middle East, and Gulf energy infrastructure. The attacks and counter-attacks occurred as large crowds gathered in Tehran to support Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's newly appointed supreme leader. The reason for the strikes is the ongoing conflict between the involved nations. The strikes and public support for the new leader signal a deepening crisis in the region.

On March 9, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This transition occurred amidst ongoing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, with explosions reported in Qom and Tehran. Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities earlier caused toxic smoke to spread across Tehran. Iran's military and political leaders have reportedly pledged allegiance to the new supreme leader. Saudi Arabia has reported two deaths amid Iranian counterattacks.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly reached a consensus on his successor. According to Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri, the selection process faces some remaining obstacles. The 88-member Assembly is constitutionally authorized to choose the Supreme Leader. Israeli military officials have threatened members of the Assembly of Experts against participating in the selection process. Another member of the body, Hojjatoleslam Jafari, expressed hope that the Iranian people will be satisfied with the decision, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The Assembly of Experts in Iran has reportedly chosen Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the next supreme leader, though an official announcement is delayed due to voting procedure disputes. If in-person voting is waived, the appointment could be declared as a consensus. Former President Rouhani suggested delaying the announcement to avoid distracting from defense efforts. The potential appointment faces opposition from figures like Donald Trump and internal concerns about inexperience during wartime. Currently, Iran is governed by a temporary tripartite leadership council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose attempt to improve relations with Gulf states by apologizing for Iranian attacks was undermined by internal opposition, continued attacks, and criticism from Trump.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, 56, has been involved in Iranian politics, working in his father's office and developing close ties with the IRGC. He began formal clerical studies in Tehran in 1989. The U.S. sanctioned Mojtaba in 2019 for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity without holding an elected government position. Former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba's potential succession, stating he was unacceptable. Mojtaba's rise to Supreme Leader comes after his father's death and amidst heightened tensions in the region.

In March 2026, amidst the ongoing war with Iran, President Trump stated that any new Iranian Supreme Leader would need US approval to maintain power. This declaration followed reports that Iran's Assembly of Experts had chosen a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died after the US-Israel attacks began on February 28. Trump emphasized his desire to prevent future military interventions, citing concerns about Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, rejected US interference in their domestic affairs, asserting that the selection of a new leader is solely the Iranian people's decision. The Pentagon also confirmed the death of a seventh US soldier since the start of the war, who was wounded in Saudi Arabia on March 1. The death toll in Iran has risen to 1,332.

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in late February. While the chosen successor's name has not been publicly announced, the selection was confirmed by multiple members of the Assembly. Israel has warned it will target any successor and those involved in the appointment. Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, was considered a frontrunner, although his appointment faces opposition due to concerns about dynastic succession and the regime's human rights record. The selection process occurs amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, including strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and inside Iran, with Russia reportedly providing Iran with intelligence.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, expanding across the Middle East. Israel launched fresh attacks on Tehran, while Iran claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Kurdish groups in Iraq, accusing them of opposing the Iranian revolution. These strikes against Kurdish groups in Iraq reportedly killed a member of an exiled Iranian Kurdish group. Israel also conducted strikes on Beirut, reportedly killing a Hamas official. The conflict has drawn in other nations, with NATO air defenses intercepting an Iranian ballistic missile fired towards Turkey, although Iran later denied firing any missiles. The US is considering arming Kurdish militias to infiltrate Iran, and a British warship is deploying to Cyprus.

Amidst a regional war ignited by the US and Israel, Iran has launched attacks targeting Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish groups in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region in March 2026. These attacks, involving missiles and drones, are aimed at "anti-Iran separatist forces" based near the Iran-Iraq border. This follows reports that US President Trump has been in talks with these Kurdish groups, hoping to utilize them to incite an uprising against the Iranian government. The US aims to weaken Iranian forces and dismantle the current government. Various Iranian Kurdish groups, with thousands of fighters, have historically opposed Tehran from bases in northern Iraq.

The ongoing Iran war has caused widespread damage and casualties across the Middle East and beyond. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and shrapnel have impacted numerous countries, leading to embassy closures and economic disruptions. A US submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Many governments are urging their citizens to evacuate Middle Eastern countries as airspaces close and travel routes become impassable. Within Iran, at least 1,045 people have died, with a major incident involving a strike on a school in Minab. US-Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure, government buildings, and leadership compounds, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In March 2026, Donald Trump stated his desire to be "involved" in choosing Iran's next supreme leader, following the death of Ali Khamenei. Trump voiced opposition to Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, assuming the role. He expressed a preference for a leader similar to Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez, who has allowed US influence in Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's removal. Trump believes such a leader would be more amenable to US interests. However, analysts note the significant differences between Iran and Venezuela, including Iran's ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, and the religious qualifications required for the supreme leader position. Iranian officials have denied any negotiations with the US.

President Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. should be involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump deemed Khamenei's son "unacceptable" for the role, drawing a comparison to U.S. involvement in Venezuela. He expressed concern that without a favorable leader in Iran, the U.S. would likely return to war within five years. Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. involvement in choosing Iran's future leader in a separate interview with Reuters, emphasizing the need for someone who will bring peace and be beneficial for the Iranian people and country. He believes this involvement is necessary to avoid repeated conflicts.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, the Trump administration is reportedly in talks with Kurdish opposition groups to potentially arm them and incite an uprising within Iran. According to media reports, the CIA has a history of working with Kurdish groups in the region, including funding and training fighters in Iraq and Syria. Kurdish rebels have long opposed Tehran, conducting attacks in Iran's Kurdistan province. Analysts warn that such a plan could further destabilize Iran and may not be well-integrated into a broader strategy. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also targeted Kurdish positions in western Iran during the conflict.

Amidst reported airstrikes on Iranian leadership and facilities, discussions are intensifying regarding potential successors to the current regime. Experts are debating whether Iran's fractured opposition groups can unite to effectively lead if the government falls. Concerns are being raised about repeating past mistakes, such as a single figure consolidating power as in 1979. Some suggest Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has a key role in uniting opposition forces, while others express skepticism about his leadership. The need for reconciliation and broad alliances among various factions is emphasized to avoid instability and ensure a representative transition of power.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being considered as a possible successor amidst ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrike that killed his father and wife has elevated his profile, despite his lack of elected or appointed government positions. Mojtaba, a secretive figure, has not been seen publicly since the attack and is believed to be in hiding. His potential succession has been criticized as resembling a hereditary monarchy, a departure from the Islamic Republic's principles. The possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role of Supreme Leader is circulating as American and Israeli airstrikes continue in Iran.

On March 4, 2026, a ballistic missile fired from Iran was destroyed by NATO air defenses over the Mediterranean Sea as it approached Turkish airspace after traversing Iraq and Syria. The Turkish Ministry of National Defence reported the incident, stating that the missile was intercepted before entering Turkish territory, causing no casualties. Turkey has protested to Iran, warning against escalating the conflict, and NATO condemned Iran's actions, reaffirming its support for Turkey. The missile's intended target remains unknown. The United States Defence Secretary stated that the event is not expected to trigger NATO's Article 5.

A ballistic missile launched from Iran towards Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was intercepted and destroyed by NATO air defense systems on Wednesday. Turkish officials reported the incident, stating the missile was engaged and neutralized over the eastern Mediterranean. While the intended target remains unspecified by the defense ministry, one official claimed it was aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but strayed off course. Fragments of the interceptor missile fell in the Dortyol district of southern Turkey, near the Syrian border. No casualties were reported as a result of the incident.

In March 2026, debris from a NATO missile interception landed in Turkish waters. The debris originated from a missile launched by Iran, which Ankara condemned. According to reports, the Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted by NATO forces as it approached Turkish airspace. The missile's trajectory reportedly took it over Iraq and Syria before the interception. The incident has prompted discussion regarding regional security and NATO's role in intercepting ballistic missiles.

Airstrikes have targeted military and police positions along the Iran-Iraq border amid reports of a potential US-Israeli plan to mobilize Kurdish fighters against Iran. US officials have reportedly expressed readiness to provide air support if Kurdish Peshmerga cross the border from northern Iraq. Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in Iraq are allegedly preparing for a cross-border operation, with US support sought. Baloch militant groups have also reportedly moved into Iran from Pakistan. These actions follow increased clandestine operations in northwestern Iran after the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, with the aim of weakening Iranian capabilities and potentially destabilizing the regime.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US and Israeli strike on Tehran, his funeral has been postponed due to ongoing intense strikes across the country. Iranian authorities cited the need for infrastructure preparation amidst high demand from people wanting to attend the three-day event. In response to Khamenei's death, Iran has launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states with US bases. A member of the Assembly of Experts stated they are nearing the selection of Khamenei's successor. The conflict has also resulted in the sinking of an Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, in international waters, with numerous casualties.

On the fifth day of the war between Israel and Iran, Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Beirut, while Iranian missiles targeted US bases in the Gulf. Israeli strikes on Tehran, including police stations and IRGC headquarters, resulted in a rising Iranian death toll, estimated between 800 and 1,500. The US and Israel expressed satisfaction with the war's progress, though their objectives remain unclear. Funerals for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in earlier strikes, began in Tehran as senior clerics convened to select his successor, with Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son and the IRGC's preferred candidate, being the frontrunner. Analysts suggest his appointment would signal a more authoritarian regime and a larger role for the IRGC.