War-Time Transition: Iran Declares Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader; Celebrations Reported Across the Country

A major development has emerged from Iran, where Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, has been announced as the country’s new Supreme Leader. The announcement reportedly took place in Ardabil, where senior cleric Ayatollah Amoli declared his name during a gathering at a mosque. Following the announcement, celebrations were reported in several Iranian cities. Supporters gathered in large numbers, set off fireworks, and chanted slogans after Mojtaba Khamenei was named the successor to the late leader. Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a statement expressing full support for the new Supreme Leader. The IRGC said it would fully obey Mojtaba Khamenei’s orders and is ready to make any sacrifice necessary to defend the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, the conflict involving Israel, United States, and Iran continues to intensify. Due to the ongoing war, oil prices in the United States have surged above $100 per barrel. Donald Trump said the spike in oil prices would be temporary and predicted that prices would fall once the nuclear threat from Iran is eliminated.