New Supreme Leader of Iran
As a result of the ongoing military actions, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ali Khamenei, has become the new Supreme Leader of Iran. This appointment occurred against the backdrop of rallies supporting the new leadership in Tehran.
A rally in support of the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran. Photo: Majid Asgaripour / WANA via Reuters.
US and Israeli Strikes Continue
- On March 9, Israeli and American forces carried out new airstrikes on military facilities in Iran, including missile engine production plants and bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to Israeli sources, the strikes targeted facilities in cities such as Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Shiraz.
- French President Emmanuel Macron announced preparations for a "defensive" mission to ensure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which will begin after the acute phase of the conflict ends. The operation will involve the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and several frigates.
Iran's Retaliatory Actions
- Iranian forces conducted new attacks on US and Israeli targets in the Middle East. A drone attack in Bahrain resulted in a fire at an oil refinery, leading to numerous casualties.
- On the night of March 9, Iranian rockets targeted a Bundeswehr field camp in Jordan; however, sources reported that no one was injured.
- An Iranian missile was intercepted over Turkey by NATO forces, as reported by the Turkish Ministry of Defense. The missile was launched from Iran and neutralized in the eastern Mediterranean.
- Iran also shelled Israel with cluster munitions, resulting in one death and two injuries.
Humanitarian Situation and Casualties
- According to Iranian authorities, in the first nine days of hostilities, more than 1,200 people were killed, and over 12,000 were injured.
- Israel also suffered losses, reporting dozens dead and hundreds injured from Iranian attacks.
- Five players from the Iranian women's national football team, who may face persecution for refusing to sing the anthem, will receive asylum in Australia.
Completion of Operations in Iran
- US President Donald Trump stated that the operation against Iran could soon come to an end, but clarified that this would not happen in the coming days.
- Trump also noted that a decision regarding the deployment of American troops in Iran has not yet been made, and discussions about deploying special forces to secure uranium continue.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that Iran is ready to expand its military actions.
Oil Prices and Economic Consequences
With the onset of the conflict, Brent oil prices exceeded $110 per barrel, reaching a peak of $118. However, a slight pullback was observed later following statements about a possible end to the conflict.Impact on Neighboring Countries
Turkmenistan is experiencing rising prices for goods due to disruptions in logistics and trade with Iran, which are directly related to military actions.
