Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-will-not-automatically-fall-after-khamenei-s-death-farah-pahlavi-1772554447794">'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement</a><h2>Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?</h2>56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight.A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media.&nbsp;According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities.<h2>A controversial succession</h2>A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-the-us-israel-bomb-assembly-of-experts-building-where-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-is-selected-reports-claim-1772551975479">Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected?</a><h2>Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important?</h2>The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. &nbsp;WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift? 

Scroll down to read more.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him. Also read | 'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight. A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media. According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities. A controversial succession A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad. Also read | Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected? Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important? The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift?&nbsp;Scroll down to read more.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Report

Is Iran targeting US bases across the Middle East after joint strikes? From Bahrain and Qatar to Kuwait and the UAE, key American installations are on alert.

Which American military bases could be in Tehran’s sights? Scroll down to read more.

Is Iran targeting US bases across the Middle East after joint strikes? From Bahrain and Qatar to Kuwait and the UAE, key American installations are on alert.Which American military bases could be in Tehran’s sights? Scroll down to read more.

Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and more: 6 nations with US military bases in danger as Iran retaliates to Operation Epic Fury

Bahrain reported on Saturday (Feb 28) that a facility housing the US Fifth Fleet headquarters was struck by a missile as Iran launched its retaliatory attacks following US and Israeli strikes. "The Fifth Fleet's service centre was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later," Bahrain's National Communication Centre said in a statement. This comes as Israel and the United States, in conjunction, launched military strikes against Iran. The joint military operation, which is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel, has struck around 30 targets in Iran.<h2>Qatar intercepts incoming missile</h2>Meanwhile, in Qatar, air defence systems were activated as warning sirens sounded across parts of the country. An official told AFP that a US-made Patriot interceptor brought down an Iranian missile mid-air.Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the region.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-confirms-us-israel-strikes-says-iran-s-murderous-terrorist-regime-must-not-gain-nuclear-arms-1772268667559">Netanyahu confirms US-Israel strikes, says Iran's ‘murderous terrorist regime’ must not gain nuclear arms</a><h2>Targets hit across Iran</h2>Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear.According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement."In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-stark-ultimatum-to-iranian-forces-surrender-or-face-certain-death-operation-lion-s-roar-israel-us-launch-strike-1772266430634">Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’</a><h2>Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts</h2>Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.<h2>Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops</h2>Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”. &nbsp;

US military base in Bahrain hit as Iran launches retaliatory missile attack against Israel and America

Bahrain reported on Saturday (Feb 28) that a facility housing the US Fifth Fleet headquarters was struck by a missile as Iran launched its retaliatory attacks following US and Israeli strikes. "The Fifth Fleet's service centre was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later," Bahrain's National Communication Centre said in a statement. This comes as Israel and the United States, in conjunction, launched military strikes against Iran. The joint military operation, which is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel, has struck around 30 targets in Iran. Qatar intercepts incoming missile Meanwhile, in Qatar, air defence systems were activated as warning sirens sounded across parts of the country. An official told AFP that a US-made Patriot interceptor brought down an Iranian missile mid-air. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the region. Also read | Netanyahu confirms US-Israel strikes, says Iran's ‘murderous terrorist regime’ must not gain nuclear arms Targets hit across Iran Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear. According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement. "In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added. Also read | Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’ Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location. Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.

Has Iran struck back at US forces in the Gulf? Bahrain says a site linked to the US Fifth Fleet was hit, while Qatar reportedly intercepted an incoming missile near Al Udeid Air Base.With joint US-Israel strikes underway and Tehran responding, how far could this escalate?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first public statement after his nation launched Operation Lion's Roar, said that the "murderous terrorist regime" in Iran must not be allowed to gain nuclear arms. In the televised address, the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that Israel, along with the United States, had launched strikes against Iran.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-stark-ultimatum-to-iranian-forces-surrender-or-face-certain-death-operation-lion-s-roar-israel-us-launch-strike-1772266430634">Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian forces: Surrender or face ‘certain death’ | Operation Epic Fury</a>"This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel," he added. Netanyahu also urged Israeli citizens to follow civil defence instructions in the days ahead, saying the operation would require patience and resilience.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: &quot;My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. <a href="https://t.co/nhlJTfTi8i">pic.twitter.com/nhlJTfTi8i</a>&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/2027666997006291049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Targets hit across Iran</h2>Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear.<h2>Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts</h2>Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-new-iran-campaign-gets-dramatic-codename-lion-s-roar-here-s-why-netanyahu-chose-the-name-personally-1772264770052">Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why</a><h2>Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops</h2>Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.

In his first statement after Israel launched Operation Lion’s Roar, PM Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran must never gain nuclear weapons. 

What did he say, and what comes next? Scroll down to read more.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first public statement after his nation launched Operation Lion's Roar, said that the "murderous terrorist regime" in Iran must not be allowed to gain nuclear arms. In the televised address, the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that Israel, along with the United States, had launched strikes against Iran. Also read | Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian forces: Surrender or face ‘certain death’ | Operation Epic Fury "This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel," he added. Netanyahu also urged Israeli citizens to follow civil defence instructions in the days ahead, saying the operation would require patience and resilience.

In his first statement after Israel launched Operation Lion’s Roar, PM Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran must never gain nuclear weapons.&nbsp;What did he say, and what comes next? Scroll down to read more.

Netanyahu confirms US-Israel strikes, says Iran's ‘murderous terrorist regime’ must not gain nuclear arms

Israel has named its latest operation against Iran “Lion’s Roar,” a title chosen personally by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision came after the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it carried out what it described as preemptive strikes on Iran, triggering explosions in Tehran and prompting a nationwide emergency. Citing officials, The Times of Israel reports that the IDF had initially settled on its own operational designation. Netanyahu opted instead for a name that carries clearer symbolism and a reference to the June 2025 strikes against Iran. In June 2025, Israel’s previous operation targeting Iran was called “Rising Lion.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-stark-ultimatum-to-iranian-forces-surrender-or-face-certain-death-operation-lion-s-roar-israel-us-launch-strike-1772266430634">Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’</a><h2>Targets hit across Iran</h2>Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear.According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement."In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added.<h2>Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts</h2>Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-new-iran-campaign-gets-dramatic-codename-lion-s-roar-here-s-why-netanyahu-chose-the-name-personally-1772264770052">Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why</a><h2>Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops</h2>Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”. &nbsp;

Why did Israel rename its latest Iran operation “Lion’s Roar”? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally chose the title, replacing the IDF’s internal name.

What’s the symbolism and how does it link to past strikes? Scroll down to read more.

Israel has named its latest operation against Iran “Lion’s Roar,” a title chosen personally by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision came after the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it carried out what it described as preemptive strikes on Iran, triggering explosions in Tehran and prompting a nationwide emergency. Citing officials, The Times of Israel reports that the IDF had initially settled on its own operational designation. Netanyahu opted instead for a name that carries clearer symbolism and a reference to the June 2025 strikes against Iran. In June 2025, Israel’s previous operation targeting Iran was called “Rising Lion.” Also read | Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’ Targets hit across Iran Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear. According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement. "In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added. Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location. Also read | Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.

Why did Israel rename its latest Iran operation “Lion’s Roar”? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally chose the title, replacing the IDF’s internal name.What’s the symbolism and how does it link to past strikes? Scroll down to read more.

Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar’; Here's why Netanyahu chose the name personally

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Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Report

Bahrain, UAE & more: 6 nations with US military bases at risk as Iran retaliates

US military base in Bahrain hit as Iran launches retaliatory missile attack

Netanyahu says Iran's ‘murderous terrorist regime’ must not gain nuclear arms

Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why