In a major growth, Iran has declared the number of a brand new supreme chief amidst the backdrop of dense, acrid smoke enveloping Tehran. This follows current US-Israeli airstrikes concentrating on gasoline depots.
The nation’s clerical council, accountable for appointing a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—who perished within the strikes that ignited the present Center Japanese battle—has made their selection, though the brand new chief’s identify stays undisclosed.
In line with Iran’s Mehr information company, Meeting of Specialists member Ahmad Alamolhoda acknowledged, “The vote to nominate the chief has taken place and the chief has been chosen.”
Alamolhoda talked about that the official announcement can be made by the physique’s secretariat. Different members of the meeting confirmed the choice, with one hinting that the late chief’s son would possibly assume the function.
On one other entrance, Israel has issued a stern warning, indicating its willingness to focus on the newly appointed chief and the Meeting of Specialists accountable for his affirmation.
Israel’s in depth attain was highlighted by two current operations: one concerned strikes on gasoline depots in Tehran and its environment, whereas one other focused a resort in Beirut, Lebanon, aiming at suspected Iranian commanders.
Because the battle prolonged into its ninth day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards mentioned they’d sufficient provides to proceed their aerial drone and missile battle over the Center East for as much as six months.
US President Donald Trump once more refused to rule out sending American floor troops into Iran, however continued to insist that the battle was all however received regardless of the continuing Iranian missile and drone strikes.
A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike late Saturday in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 8, 2026
Rubble of destroyed buildings is seen on the website of an Israeli airstrike that focused a neighbourhood within the southern Lebanese village of Sir el Gharbiyeh on March 8, 2026
Guards spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini mentioned Iran had to this point used solely first- and second-generation missiles, however would use ‘superior and less-used long-range missiles’ within the coming days.
Saudi Arabia intercepted a wave of drones headed for targets together with the diplomatic quarter in its capital Riyadh, Kuwait mentioned an assault hit gasoline tanks at its worldwide airport and Bahrain reported a water desalination plant had been broken.
Warplanes hit 5 oil amenities in in a single day strikes in and across the Iranian capital, killing 4 folks, the CEO of the nationwide oil merchandise distribution agency instructed state tv.
Tehran’s governor instructed the IRNA information company that gasoline distribution had been ‘quickly interrupted’ within the capital whereas repairs had been carried out.
A darkish haze hung over the town as morning broke and a scent of burning lingered within the air.
The Israeli military confirmed that its air pressure had struck ‘gasoline storage amenities in Tehran’ to stop their use by the Iranian army.
Tehran has vowed to go after US property within the area, and Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait all reported new assaults on Sunday.
Inside Iran, harm to infrastructure and residential areas is mounting as its folks report rising anxiousness and a heavy safety presence.
‘I don’t suppose anybody who hasn’t skilled battle would perceive it,’ a 26-year-old trainer instructed AFP on situation of anonymity, describing the concern of residing below bombardment.
Iran’s well being ministry mentioned Sunday that not less than 1,200 civilians had been killed and round 10,000 wounded – figures AFP couldn’t independently confirm.
Lebanon’s well being ministry mentioned not less than 294 folks have been killed in Israeli air strikes over the previous week, prompting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to warn of a looming ‘humanitarian catastrophe’.
Trump, in the meantime, attended the return of the our bodies of six American service members killed in a drone strike on a US base in Kuwait final Sunday.
Explosions erupt following strikes at Shahran Oil Refinery in Tehran on March 7, 2026
Analysts warn there’s nonetheless no clear path to ending a battle that US and Israeli officers say may final a month or longer.
Trump has advised Iran’s economic system may very well be rebuilt if a frontrunner ‘acceptable’ to Washington replaces the late supreme chief, which Tehran has rejected.
China and Russia have largely stayed on the sidelines regardless of shut ties with Tehran.
China’s high diplomat Wang Yi mentioned on Sunday that the battle within the Center East ought to ‘by no means have occurred’, telling a press convention in Beijing that ‘a robust fist doesn’t imply robust motive. The world can not return to the regulation of the jungle.’
