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.
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."
In a significant development, the US has announced its decision to deploy THAAD air defence units in Israel to counter Iranian ballistic missile threats. Along with the advanced missile system, American troops will also be sent to operate it, in order to strengthen Israel's defences against potential aggression from Iran. In response, Iran has warned the US to keep its military forces out of Israel, raising tensions in the already volatile region.
The escalating violence between Israel and Gaza has led to Nicaragua taking a decisive stand against Israel by breaking off diplomatic ties and condemning their actions as "fascist" and "genocidal". Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with dozens killed in the Jabalia refugee camp alone. In a show of solidarity, Lebanon has also faced Israeli military strikes, injuring UN peacekeepers and killing two Lebanese soldiers.
US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm as Israel mulls its response to Iran's recent missile strike. This call comes amid mounting pressure from Washington not to strike Iran's oil or nuclear facilities prior to the US presidential elections. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact over the next few days, and Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged that their attack on Iran will be "deadly, precise, and surprising." The leaders also discussed Israel's offensive against Iranian ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel continues its military strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, hitting Hezbollah weapons storage facilities. This comes after the Israeli military killed a Hezbollah commander and issued new evacuation orders in southern Lebanon. tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate as Iran resumes flights after a temporary cancellation due to Israeli threats of retaliation for their missile attack. This conflict is a year after the deadly Hamas attacks that rocked Israel in 7 October.