Iran International reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei has been secretly chosen as the successor to his ailing father and current supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The decision was allegedly made under pressure and threats from Khamenei's representatives, causing controversy and uncertainty among Iran's Assembly of Experts. This succession could have major political implications for Iran and its relationship with neighboring countries, especially amid tensions with Israel.
As Iran braces for a turbulent political future amid widespread protests and ongoing tensions with Israel, speculation is rising that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been secretly chosen as the nation's next Supreme Leader. Amid reports of Khamenei's failing health, a recent secret meeting of Iran's Assembly of Experts allegedly resulted in the unanimous selection of Mojtaba as his successor. However, this succession comes with its own set of challenges as the political landscape in Iran has polarized and other influential figures who could serve as kingmakers have died, leaving the future of Iran's leadership uncertain.
According to a report by Iran International, Iran's Assembly of Experts has secretly elected Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor while the 85-year-old leader battles a serious illness. The selection was made on September 26 in a highly secretive meeting called by Khamenei without prior notice, indicating a potential power shift in Iran. Mojtaba has been groomed for leadership and is seen as Khamenei's most trusted and influential confidant, with sources saying the transition could happen during his father's lifetime to ensure a smooth handover of power.
The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed his government's willingness to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve any concerns about their nuclear program. This comes as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi visits Tehran, amidst concerns about escalating tensions in the region, including the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Grossi stressed the importance of achieving results in the ongoing nuclear talks in order to prevent further conflict and avoid any potential attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
A female student at a university in Tehran made a powerful statement against hijab harassment by campus security officers by stripping down to her underwear. The incident, captured in widely circulated videos on social media, occurred after the student was physically attacked for not wearing a headscarf inside Azad University’s science and research centre. Despite her subsequent detention by authorities, the student's act of resistance ignited a conversation about the mistreatment of women in Iran.
In Tehran, Iran, a female student was arrested by security forces after stripping down to her undergarments outside of a university in protest against hijab restrictions. The incident, captured in videos shared on social media, has sparked outrage and debate regarding the strict dress code mandated for women in public in Iran. The student's bold act of defiance has brought attention to the ongoing battle for women's rights in the country.
The US has declared that the recent air strikes by Israel against Iran should put an end to the direct conflict between the two countries. The White House has stated that Israel's retaliation to Iran's attack, which was in response to the assassination of a Hezbollah leader, should mark the conclusion of this exchange of fire. While the US remains fully prepared to support Israel and respond to any future provocations from Iran, they are urging for a de-escalation in the Middle East tensions. The Trump administration also emphasized the role of President Biden in encouraging a more measured approach from Israel.
Israel has launched multiple air strikes on military bases in the Iranian capital of Tehran, resulting in reported casualties. The Israeli Defense Forces claim the strikes were in response to continuous attacks from Iran, while Iran's foreign ministry defends their right to defend themselves. In the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah has also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on an Israeli airbase and an intelligence headquarters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit 2024 has kicked off with several bilateral summits discussing key issues such as India-Russia ties, the war in Ukraine, and conflicts with Iran and Israel. The summit, with the theme of 'Strengthening Multilateralism,' will see discussions on global issues and includes new member nations - Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. As major emerging economies, the BRICS group comprises 41% of the world population and 24% of the world GDP, making it an important platform for discussions on global development and security.
The United States is sending its advanced anti-missile system, the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, to Israel along with a military crew to operate it. This deployment comes in response to Iran's recent attacks against Israel and serves as a clear demonstration of US support for Israel's defense. The move also marks a broader adjustment in the US military's approach to protecting Americans in Israel from attacks by Iran and its allies. As this decision is made, Israel is grappling with ongoing threats and attacks from Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon to ensure their safety. The tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with Israel reaffirming its commitment to defending its future against the "axis of evil."