Iran Appoints New Supreme Leader Amid Intense US-Israel Strikes, Sparking Tensions and Global Oil Concerns – 3/9/2026, 12:25:07 PM

Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader amid escalating US-Israel strikes, which have killed over 1,330 civilians including 300 children, damaged infrastructure, and prompted Iranian threats of intensified attacks on oil facilities and Israel.[1][2]

Key Developments in the Iran-US-Israel Conflict

• A US National Guard member died in Kuwait from a medical emergency, the eighth US military death since the war began; Iran reported 104 crew killed on warship IRIS Dena in a US attack.[1]
• Israel expanded operations in Lebanon, killing nearly 400 and injuring over 1,110 since early March; two Israeli soldiers died in southern Lebanon combat.[1][2]
• US and Israeli strikes hit Iranian oil facilities near Tehran (killing at least four), hospitals, and civilian sites near military targets; Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims sufficient supplies for 6 months of drone/missile war.[1][2]
• Iran fired missiles at Israel (1,342 drones intercepted, 8 cruise missiles downed), attacked UAE sites (4 killed, 100+ injured), and struck at least 11 countries including Cyprus; Strait of Hormuz reported closed, spiking oil prices.[2][3]
• US President Trump ruled out Kurdish involvement, warned Iran’s new leader “won’t last long” without his approval, refused to exclude ground troops, and hinted at a “biggest wave” coming; he discussed military cooperation with UK PM Starmer.[1][2][3]
• Other responses: Russia’s Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei; UK’s Yvette Cooper rejected outsourcing foreign policy; UAE denied attacking Iranian facilities; Human Rights Watch called for war crime probe into Iranian school strike.[1]
• Iran’s President Pezeshkian vowed retaliation from any host country; military to intensify operations Sunday night.[1]

Other Global Headlines

• Ukraine-Russia war: Russia launched 2 ballistic missiles and 117 drones overnight, hitting a passenger train (no injuries); Ukraine struck Russian oil pipeline in Krasnodar, causing fire; Zelenskyy met Dutch PM Yetin on radar aid.[2]
• Gaza: Israeli strike near Gaza City mosque killed 3 Palestinians including a paramedic, violating Oct. 10, 2025 ceasefire.[1]
• Regional diplomacy: Saudi FM met China’s Middle East envoy; Egypt urged joint Arab force against Iran; Netherlands-Ukraine defense/drone pact.[1]
• Elsewhere: Czech Republic holds defense spending at 1.73% GDP despite US pressure; Nigeria killed 45 gang members; 3 Indonesian crew missing after UAE tugboat sank in Strait of Hormuz; US envoys canceled Israel visit on Iran talks.[1]

These reports reflect fast-evolving events as of March 9, 2026 morning briefings, with potential for rapid updates.[1][2]