Image: from Mario Nawfal X @MarioNawfal
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies | Monday, March 9, 2026
TEHRAN / JERUSALEM — In a direct challenge to the U.S.–Israeli military coalition, Iran formally inaugurated Mojtaba Khamenei as its third Supreme Leader early Monday, punctuated by a massive barrage of ballistic missiles launched toward Israeli territory.
The transition, confirmed by the 88-member Assembly of Experts shortly after midnight, officially solidifies the 56-year-old cleric’s ascent to the pinnacle of power following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint strike on February 28. The appointment marks the first time since the 1979 Revolution that the leadership of the Islamic Republic has passed from father to son.
BREAKING: Iran unleashes two massive waves of Fattah-2 hypersonic glide missiles straight at Israel.
These are the first strikes under Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, widely known for being much more agressive. pic.twitter.com/upAXSavPBK
— Parody Jeff (@BackupJeffx) March 9, 2026
“At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba”
Iranian state television broadcast the announcement alongside images of the new leader, emphasizing that the clerical body “did not hesitate for a minute” in its decision, despite ongoing threats from President Donald Trump to target any successor not approved by Washington.
Moments after the proclamation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a new wave of strikes. Footage aired on state media showed projectiles inscribed with the slogan, “At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba,” ascending into the night sky.
In Israel, sirens sounded nationwide as air defenses intercepted several volleys. Magen David Adom emergency services reported at least one injury in central Israel, where a woman was struck by debris from a neutralized missile.
Regional Spillover: Explosions in Qatar
The escalation reached new heights across the Persian Gulf. In Doha, journalists reported multiple explosions early Monday morning as Qatari air defense systems intercepted incoming fire.
The strikes in Qatar, which hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the region, come as Gulf states are increasingly drawn into the crossfire. Bahrain’s state oil company, Bapco, declared force majeure earlier today following a devastating drone attack on its refinery complex, signaling a deepening crisis for global energy markets.
A New Hardline Era
Analysts describe Mojtaba Khamenei as a “shadow operator” with deep ties to the IRGC’s intelligence and security apparatus. His swift appointment is seen as a signal of institutional continuity and a refusal to capitulate to the coalition’s demands for regime change.
“This election marks a new dawn,” the IRGC stated in a formal pledge of allegiance. “We are ready for full obedience in carrying out the divine orders of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.”
However, the road ahead remains perilous. While the new leader has secured the loyalty of the military, the country remains under a “relentless barrage” of coalition strikes. President Trump, speaking from Washington, has already warned that the new leadership “won’t last long” without American support, setting the stage for a prolonged and potentially existential confrontation.