Iran Launches Attacks on Israel, Gulf States After Naming Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader

Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader.

“Updated March 09, 2026 at 11:47 AM ET The U”

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He is described as the 56‑year‑old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is presented as having close ties to the Revolutionary Guard.

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Many outlets said this signaled continuity of a hard-line stance after the death of Iran’s previous leader.

The appointment and its immediate significance were reported as happening amid active conflict, with outlets noting calls for pledges of allegiance and the Guard’s response.

Strike and counterstrike reporting shows the conflict quickly spread across the region.

Outlets say Iran and its proxies launched missiles and drones across the Gulf.

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They report Israel carried out strikes it said targeted Hezbollah sites in southern Beirut and regime-linked infrastructure in Tehran.

Coverage also notes Israel struck Iranian oil depots.

It says Israel’s operations included hitting facilities it identified with Iran’s allies.

Iran is reported to have hit regional infrastructure, including a desalination plant in Bahrain.

Reported human cost is heavy and asymmetric.

“Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a news conference on Wednesday that U”

New York Times

Outlets cite Iranian officials' publicly reported toll of about 1,200 dead in Iran.

Lebanese authorities report hundreds of deaths and large displacement.

Israeli authorities report 11 dead in Israel.

U.S. officials have confirmed multiple American service members killed.

At least one U.S. casualty is named: Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington is reported among the seven U.S. service members identified by the Pentagon.

Reports note other battlefield and civilian fatalities across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

Coverage emphasizes military aims, domestic politics and international reactions.

An Israeli military official is quoted estimating Israel "needs roughly three more weeks to eliminate Iran's military forces."

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Leaders and analysts warn the fighting could be prolonged.

Reporting says regional partners, including the U.S., are deeply involved in force protection and intelligence tasks.

Reports highlight political maneuvers at home and abroad, such as leaders returning remains and public criticism between states.

They also note visible strains within Iran's leadership even as pledges of allegiance are solicited.

The war’s economic and civilian‑life disruptions are widely reported.

“Updated March 09, 2026 at 11:47 AM ET The U”

GBH News

Outlets attribute sharp oil price jumps to the fighting, with reports citing oil topping $100 and brief moves toward $120 a barrel.

GBH News

Reports describe supply impacts such as Bahrain’s Bapco declaring force majeure after an attack.

Coverage documents travel and evacuation disruptions that have left tens of thousands of U.S. citizens and other travelers displaced or stranded.

Coverage stresses both immediate infrastructure damage, including fires at oil facilities, and the knock‑on effects on regional transport and fuel markets.