Photo IRNA. Oath-taking ceremony of the new Supreme Leader of Iran in Tehran
A ceremony for the oath-taking of the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, took place in Enghelab Square in Tehran, gathering thousands of people.
According to CNN, Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, the mining is not extensive, with only a few dozen mines laid in recent days, as reported by two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which effectively controls the strait, may create a "corridor" of mine barriers, explosive-laden boats, and coastal missile batteries, as stated in the publication.
In early March, the IRGC warned that it would destroy any vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The state oil company of Abu Dhabi, ADNOC, decided to suspend operations at the largest oil refinery in Ruwais after a fire caused by a drone attack, Reuters reports. Local authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.
According to Iran's Ministry of Health, since February 28, about 15,000 Iranians have been injured as a result of U.S. and Israeli strikes.
The Russian consulate in Isfahan was damaged as a result of a strike on the neighboring governor's administration building, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported. Windows in service rooms and residential apartments were shattered, and some staff were thrown back by the blast wave. Fortunately, there were no casualties or serious injuries.
Two members of the Iranian women's national football team have sought asylum in Australia, CNN reports. This decision was made by a player and a coaching staff member, refusing to return to their homeland. It is worth noting that earlier five Iranian female footballers received support from Australia.
According to Reuters, about 150 American servicemen were injured during the operation against Iran.
The IRGC announced the start of attacks on the technological infrastructure of its opponents in the region, Tasnim agency reports.
Despite the escalating tensions, life in Tehran continues, according to pro-government media.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations with the United States are no longer relevant, and in his opinion, it is unlikely that they will be discussed again. "I do not expect the issue of negotiations with the American side to ever return to the agenda: our experience of such interaction has been too painful," he noted.
U.S. military reported the destruction of 16 Iranian warships near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key transport route for oil exports. According to the U.S. Central Command, among the destroyed vessels are 16 mine sweepers.
Tehran accused Israel of an attack that killed four Iranian diplomats at the Ramada Hotel in Beirut last Sunday. Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, officially blamed Israel for this crime.
The G7 countries are set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the release of oil reserves.
