TEHRAN DAILY - 9 MARCH 2026
Assembly of Experts Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader; IRGC Threatens Oil Infrastructure Retaliation; 104 Sailors Killed in U.S. Attack on Frigate Dena
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Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran's Third Supreme Leader After Assembly of Experts Vote
Iran's Assembly of Experts announced Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of slain leader Ali Khamenei, as Iran's new Supreme Leader with pledges of allegiance from IRGC, parliament, and regional resistance groups including Iraqi cleric Sistani's endorsement.
IRGC Claims Destruction of Four US THAAD Radars in Precision Strikes
IRGC reports destroying four radars linked to US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence systems with precision-guided missiles in past 24 hours, degrading American anti-missile defence infrastructure across region.
Israel Strikes Tehran Oil Storage Facilities Causing Toxic Rain Risk
Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Tehran and Karaj killed at least six civilians with Iranian Red Crescent warning rainfall could become toxic causing chemical burns and lung damage, urging civilians to seek concrete shelter.
Iran Threatens Asset Seizure of Diaspora Cooperating With US-Israel
Iranian Attorney General's Office announces confiscation of properties and assets belonging to Iranian nationals abroad found guilty of cooperating with enemy states during war.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Iran's Assembly of Experts on 8 March selected Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei—the 56-year-old son of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—as the Islamic Republic's third supreme leader, defying explicit U.S. and Israeli threats against his appointment and consolidating continuity within the clerical establishment as the war enters its second week. The IRGC announced it destroyed four U.S. THAAD radar systems across the Gulf and warned Tehran would target regional oil facilities if attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure continue, with Speaker GHALIBAF cautioning that oil prices exceeding 200 dollars per barrel would result from further escalation. Iran's Army confirmed 104 sailors died when a U.S. submarine torpedoed the frigate Dena off Sri Lanka on 4 March, the conflict's deadliest single incident for Iranian forces. Foreign Minister ARAGHCHI rejected ceasefire proposals and demanded a "permanent end" to hostilities, while President PEZESHKIAN clarified earlier statements that Washington "misinterpreted" as signaling weakness. END SUMMARY.
