Following catastrophic rumours of a lost limb and a secret Russian medical evacuation, Iranian State Media has once again failed to produce their leader, opting instead to release yet another faceless statement.



Following catastrophic rumours of a lost limb and a secret Russian medical evacuation, Iranian State Media has once again failed to produce their leader, opting instead to release yet another faceless statement.&nbsp;

'Zero proof of life': Mystery of missing Mojtaba Khamenei deepens as state media releases another faceless statement amid 'coma rumours'

Israel's multi-layered air defence, featuring Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, successfully intercepted the vast majority of Iran's 181 ballistic missiles. This overlapping network proved its critical worth by preventing casualties.


Israel's multi-layered air defence, featuring Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, successfully intercepted the vast majority of Iran's 181 ballistic missiles. This overlapping network proved its critical worth by preventing casualties.

'Israel vs Iran war': How Israel’s most advanced air defence is proving its worth

The US military is currently engaged in a high-cost battle of attrition in the Middle East. While Iran-backed groups deploy drones costing around $35,000 dollars, the US Navy and Air Force utilise advanced missiles worth millions to ensure a 100 per cent interception rate.

The US military is currently engaged in a high-cost battle of attrition in the Middle East. While Iran-backed groups deploy drones costing around $35,000 dollars, the US Navy and Air Force utilise advanced missiles worth millions to ensure a 100 per cent interception rate.

‘$2.1 million to stop a $35,000 drone’: How much does it really cost the US to intercept and stop an Iranian drone?

Senior US military officials have reportedly warned lawmakers that American forces may not be able to intercept and shoot down every Iranian drone launched in retaliation against US military installations and assets in the region. This comes as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 4) claimed that allies the United States and Israel were in a strong position in their war with Iran. Pledging that the two nations will “continue forward” against the Islamic Republic, he told technology executives at the White House that Iranian “leadership is just rapidly going. Everybody who seems to want to be a leader ends up dead.” In another statement, he said that “We’re doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly,” adding that “somebody said on a scale of 10, where would you rate it? I said about a 15.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-mojtaba-khamenei-named-supreme-leader-tehran-slams-fake-reports-on-succession-1772615770404">Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession</a><h2>US can't shoot down Iranian missiles?</h2>During a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, top military officials led by the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, told lawmakers that Iran has been deploying large numbers of one-way attack drones in recent days. As per The Guardian, they warned that while US defences can destroy most of them, stopping every single drone may not be possible.Citing two people familiar with the discussion, the publication reported that lawmakers were told that Iran has been launching thousands of drones at US military installations and assets. While most are being intercepted, they said, the scale of the attacks makes total protection difficult.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei</a><h2>US to focus on destroying Iranian launch sites</h2>Given the challenge, US forces are shifting attention to the source of the attacks - launch sites for the drones and conventional missiles, military officials revealed during the classified briefing.Iran has relied heavily on its low-cost Shahed drone in the retaliatory campaign. Unlike ballistic missiles, these drones fly low and relatively slowly. This makes them harder to detect and intercept using traditional air defence systems.&nbsp;Disclaimer: 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.

Can the US stop every Iranian drone attack in the escalating war? Top officials, led by Gen Dan Caine, reportedly warned lawmakers during a classified briefing that intercepting every drone may be impossible, even as Donald Trump claims the US and Israel are “doing very well.”

Senior US military officials have reportedly warned lawmakers that American forces may not be able to intercept and shoot down every Iranian drone launched in retaliation against US military installations and assets in the region. This comes as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 4) claimed that allies the United States and Israel were in a strong position in their war with Iran. Pledging that the two nations will “continue forward” against the Islamic Republic, he told technology executives at the White House that Iranian “leadership is just rapidly going. Everybody who seems to want to be a leader ends up dead.” In another statement, he said that “We’re doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly,” adding that “somebody said on a scale of 10, where would you rate it? I said about a 15.” Also read | Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession US can't shoot down Iranian missiles? During a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, top military officials led by the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, told lawmakers that Iran has been deploying large numbers of one-way attack drones in recent days. As per The Guardian, they warned that while US defences can destroy most of them, stopping every single drone may not be possible. Citing two people familiar with the discussion, the publication reported that lawmakers were told that Iran has been launching thousands of drones at US military installations and assets. While most are being intercepted, they said, the scale of the attacks makes total protection difficult. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei US to focus on destroying Iranian launch sites Given the challenge, US forces are shifting attention to the source of the attacks - launch sites for the drones and conventional missiles, military officials revealed during the classified briefing. Iran has relied heavily on its low-cost Shahed drone in the retaliatory campaign. Unlike ballistic missiles, these drones fly low and relatively slowly. This makes them harder to detect and intercept using traditional air defence systems. Disclaimer: 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.

Can the US stop every Iranian drone attack in the escalating war? Top officials, led by Gen Dan Caine, reportedly warned lawmakers during a classified briefing that intercepting every drone may be impossible, even as Donald Trump claims the US and Israel are “doing very well.”

Despite Trump’s victory claims, top generals admit Iranian drone swarms could breach US defenses: Report

Marco Rubio appeared to contradict himself over why the US attacked Iran, after Trump suggested he may have “forced” Israel’s hand. Rubio earlier cited Israeli plans for a preemptive strike but later denied that claim. The mixed messaging has fueled speculation

Marco Rubio appeared to contradict himself over why the US attacked Iran, after Trump suggested he may have “forced” Israel’s hand. Rubio earlier cited Israeli plans for a preemptive strike but later denied that claim. The mixed messaging has fueled speculation

Is America confused on why US entered Iran war? Rubio contradicts Trump, then backtracks on 'Israeli plans' remark

As West Asia is embroiled in conflict, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated that Iran should give up its nuclear mission. Referencing Donald trump’s vision after in conclusive nuclear deal negotiations between US and Iran mediated by Oman in Geneva, he said “Iran has ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't, we can't tolerate.” During those February rounds, the U.S. demanded a total cessation of uranium enrichment, a demand Ali Khamenei rejected, asserting that “nuclear energy is our undeniable right.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;This isn’t America’s first attack on Iran, in June 2025, US B-2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities viz. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during Operation Midnight Hammer. Following that mission, President Trump stated that the sites used for creating nuclear weapons had been “obliterated.” Addressing the current 2026 operations, Hegseth continued: “Ultimately, their nuclear ambitions, which never ceased, must be addressed. We are ensuring they can no longer use a conventional shield of missiles and drones to provide an umbrella for their nuclear pursuits.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traffic-camera-tracking-led-to-khamenei-s-assassination-reveals-israeli-intelligence-officer-1772558494210">Traffic camera tracking led to Khamenei's assassination, reveals Israeli intelligence officer</a>&nbsp;He added, “And ultimately, though this tying it back to Midnight Hammer, the president has been willing to make a deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb. Radical Islamists can't have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world. He gave them every single opportunity. Then we precisely took it away. And even then after that, they didn't have that; they didn't come to the table with a willingness to give it away.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warns Iran to end its nuclear mission as Operation Epic Fury intensifies. Reviewing the 2025 B-2 strikes and the failed 2026 Geneva talks, the US vows to dismantle Iran's "conventional shield."

As West Asia is embroiled in conflict, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated that Iran should give up its nuclear mission. Referencing Donald trump’s vision after in conclusive nuclear deal negotiations between US and Iran mediated by Oman in Geneva, he said “Iran has ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't, we can't tolerate.” During those February rounds, the U.S. demanded a total cessation of uranium enrichment, a demand Ali Khamenei rejected, asserting that “nuclear energy is our undeniable right.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed This isn’t America’s first attack on Iran, in June 2025, US B-2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities viz. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during Operation Midnight Hammer. Following that mission, President Trump stated that the sites used for creating nuclear weapons had been “obliterated.” Addressing the current 2026 operations, Hegseth continued: “Ultimately, their nuclear ambitions, which never ceased, must be addressed. We are ensuring they can no longer use a conventional shield of missiles and drones to provide an umbrella for their nuclear pursuits.” Also read: Traffic camera tracking led to Khamenei's assassination, reveals Israeli intelligence officer He added, “And ultimately, though this tying it back to Midnight Hammer, the president has been willing to make a deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb. Radical Islamists can't have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world. He gave them every single opportunity. Then we precisely took it away. And even then after that, they didn't have that; they didn't come to the table with a willingness to give it away.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warns Iran to end its nuclear mission as Operation Epic Fury intensifies. Reviewing the 2025 B-2 strikes and the failed 2026 Geneva talks, the US vows to dismantle Iran's "conventional shield."

'Can't have a nuclear bomb to wield against the world': Pete Hegseth issues sharp warning to Iran

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

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'Zero proof of life': Mystery of missing Mojtaba Khamenei deepens as state media releases another faceless statement amid 'coma rumours'

Israel vs Iran war: How Israel’s most advanced air defence is proving its worth

How much does it really cost the US to intercept and stop an Iranian drone?

Amid Trump victory claims, top generals admit Iran drones can breach US defenses

Is America confused on why US entered Iran war? Rubio contradicts Trump

'Can't have a nuclear bomb to wield against the world': Pete Hegseth

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader: Report