KHAMENEI II: More Hardline Than His Father

Mojtaba Khamenei Delivers First Public Address as Supreme Leader

Iranian state media announced today (March 12) that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, released his first public message. The address had seven parts covering his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran's strategy for confronting its enemies, the role of the armed forces, and the so-called "Axis of Resistance."

He did not appear in person. His message aired on state television instead.

Khamenei vowed to continue the path of his father and to avenge his blood. He called on regional countries to close U.S. bases and said Iran will not refrain from avenging the blood of its martyrs, stating it believes in friendship with neighbors but will "only target the bases, and we will inevitably continue." He ordered the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed as a tool to pressure the enemy.

He thanked Axis of Resistance fighters, including Hezbollah, Iran-backed Iraqi militias, and Yemen's Houthis for supporting Iran and Gaza. He called for strong public turnout on Quds Day, described his new role as challenging following the legacies of Khomeini and Ali Khamenei, and stressed national unity.

"We will, in any case, obtain compensation from the enemy. If they refuse, we will take from their assets to the extent we deem appropriate; and if that is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of their property."

— Mojtaba Khamenei · Iran's Supreme Leader

US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz responded: "Gulf leaders are furious, outraged over Iranian attacks."

Iran Loses Deputy Intel Chief, Aerospace Commander, Air Base Leader

Iranian state media confirmed that Akbar Ghaffari, the country's deputy intelligence minister, has been eliminated. Ghaffari was widely viewed as a central figure in the regime's internal security and intelligence apparatus.

Fars News Agency reported that Ismail Dehghan, a commander in the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) Aerospace Force, was assassinated in Arak, Markazi Province. Tasnim News Agency confirmed Dehghan was killed along with his wife, two children, and mother-in-law.

Iranian opposition sources say Dariush Soleimani, commander of Iran's air base in Tabriz, was eliminated after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in the Zaferania district of the city.

The IDF eliminated Abu Zor Mohammadi, an IRGC commander embedded in Hezbollah's ballistic missile unit in Beirut. He was a key link between Hezbollah and Iran, instrumental in building and directing Hezbollah's missile capabilities against Israel.

Dozens of IRGC and Basij Facilities Destroyed Across Iran

Channel 12 reported drones eliminated at least 20 IRGC Basij members across Tehran. In Ahvaz, dozens of facilities belonging to the Basij, IRGC, police, and army have been destroyed. The Seyyed al-Shuhada base and the 92nd Armored Division Corps in Ahvaz were struck.

The Israeli Air Force struck over 250 Iranian drones, launch platforms, and sites in western Iran, killing key commanders and soldiers and preventing immediate drone attacks on Israel. The IDF confirmed strikes on the Taleghan compound in Tehran, an Iranian nuclear-related facility where the regime was advancing critical capabilities tied to nuclear weapons development. Strikes were also reported on Shiraz Air Force base and a missile facility near Khomain.

CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command) confirmed: "We are eliminating Iran's ability to threaten American forces and regional partners through lethality and precision."

Iranian Explosive Boats Hit Tankers in the Gulf

Footage shows the moment an Iranian explosive boat struck the U.S.-linked oil tanker Safesea Vishnu in the Persian Gulf off Iraq's Basra coast. The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported another attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Thai sailors were filmed clinging to a lifeboat, watching their vessel engulfed in flames after an Iranian unmanned surface vessel strike in the strait.

In Dubai, a military helicopter downed an Iranian drone near the Burj Khalifa. Kuwait Airports Authority reported a drone attack on Kuwait City's international airport, causing damage. The International Energy Agency says the Middle East war has triggered the "largest supply disruption in global oil market history." Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said tanker escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz will likely begin by the end of the month.

Trump posted on Truth Social: "THE UNITED STATES IS THE LARGEST OIL PRODUCER IN THE WORLD, BY FAR, SO WHEN OIL PRICES GO UP, WE MAKE A LOT OF MONEY. BUT, OF FAR GREATER INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE TO ME, AS PRESIDENT, IS STOPPING AN EVIL EMPIRE, IRAN, FROM HAVING NUCLEAR WEAPONS, AND DESTROYING THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD."

Hezbollah Fires 200 Rockets at Israel. IDF Stops Two More Waves.

Hezbollah launched a major nighttime barrage from Lebanon, firing about 200 rockets and 20 drones toward Israel. Northern Command had identified unusual activity earlier and assessed the group was preparing a large "day of fire," prompting a preemptive strike to disrupt launch teams.

An Israeli security official says Hezbollah intended to fire 3 separate waves of rockets toward Israel's rear areas overnight. Only 1 barrage was ultimately launched. The IDF disrupted the 2 additional waves while carrying out defensive operations across multiple locations. Around 20 buildings were destroyed during Israeli strikes yesterday.

The IDF struck 10 Hezbollah command buildings in Dahiya overnight. Beirut's Dahiya faces widespread devastation from near-continuous attacks. The IDF ordered civilians to evacuate a large area of southern Lebanon and move north as major military operations are expected to begin.

The IDF eliminated Abu Ali Rayan, southern Lebanon commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Force. The military says over 100 militants have been killed and over 60 Radwan command centers destroyed. Hezbollah Commander Mohammad Assi was eliminated in the strike on Ramlet al-Baida, Beirut. Lebanon's Shia Amal Movement announced the deaths of three operatives after the coastal airstrike.

A successful interception of an Iranian missile over Israel's Sharon region was reported today. No injuries.

Katz Warns Lebanon: Control Hezbollah or We Take the Territory

"I warned the President of Lebanon that if Beirut cannot control its territory and stop Hezbollah from threatening northern communities and firing at Israel, we will take the territory and do it ourselves. The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare to expand operations in Lebanon to restore security to the north."

— Defense Minister Israel Katz

An Israeli official said there is no decision yet on striking civilian infrastructure in Lebanon if Hezbollah attacks continue and the Lebanese government fails to act.

Lebanon's Justice Minister said: "When Hezbollah took the unilateral decision to launch rockets against Israel, they gave also the pretext for Israel to start a large war."

Iran's new Supreme Leader delivered his first address, vowing revenge and ordering the Strait of Hormuz to stay closed. The regime's command structure is being systematically dismantled, with the deputy intelligence minister, an IRGC Aerospace commander, and an air base commander all eliminated today. Oil tankers are burning in the Gulf, Brent crude crossed $100, and Hezbollah's overnight barrage was mostly neutralized before launch. Israel is now openly preparing to expand into Lebanese territory.