A New Supreme Leader of Iran Appointed
Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ali Khamenei, as the Supreme Leader. This decision comes amid ongoing military actions and mass rallies in support of the new leadership in Tehran.A rally in support of the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran. Photo by Majid Asgaripour / WANA via Reuters.
The US and Israel Continue Attacks on Military Infrastructure
- On March 9, joint US and Israeli forces conducted a series of airstrikes on Iranian facilities, including missile engine production plants and military bases. The strikes targeted locations in Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Shiraz, as well as the infrastructure of the "Basij" forces and internal security services.
- French President Emmanuel Macron announced preparations for a "defensive" mission to ensure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which will be carried out after the active phase of the conflict concludes. The operation will involve the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle," eight frigates, and two amphibious assault ships.
Iran's Retaliatory Actions Against the US and Allies
- The Iranian armed forces conducted a series of retaliatory attacks using missiles and drones on US and Israeli targets in the Middle East. In Bahrain, drones attacked an oil refinery complex, resulting in a fire and casualties.
- Iran again targeted the Bundeswehr field camp in Jordan with missiles. According to Der Spiegel, several ballistic missiles were launched at the US base in Asraq, where a small German contingent is stationed. Fortunately, no one was injured.
- NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile launched towards Turkey on the same day. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that the missile was neutralized by NATO's air and missile defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Iran shelled Israel with cluster munitions, striking various targets. According to The Times of Israel, one person was killed and two others injured as a result of the shelling in central Israel.
Humanitarian Situation and Casualties
- Iranian authorities report more than 1,200 dead and over 12,000 injured in the first nine days of hostilities.
- In Israel, dozens of casualties and hundreds of injuries have also been recorded due to Iranian attacks, including the latest shelling.
- Five players from the Iranian women's national football team, who are being persecuted for refusing to sing the anthem, will receive asylum in Australia.
The US Speaks of an Imminent End to Military Actions
- US President Donald Trump stated that the operation against Iran could conclude "in the near future," but does not expect this to happen this week.
- Trump clarified that the decision to deploy US troops in Iran has not yet been made and is far from implementation. He also commented on reports of a possible deployment of special forces to secure highly enriched uranium in Iran.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps noted on Monday that the Iranian army is ready to escalate the conflict and will determine the timing of its conclusion itself.
Oil Markets React to the Conflict
Amid the escalation of the conflict, the price of Brent oil exceeded $110 per barrel, reaching a peak of around $118, but then slightly retreated after reports of a possible imminent end to hostilities.Economic Consequences for Neighbors
In Turkmenistan, there is a rise in prices for goods due to disruptions in logistics and trade with Iran. Since Iran is an important trading partner, military actions significantly impact local markets.
