Appointment of a New Leader in Iran
The new wave of military actions coincided with the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ali Khamenei, as the Supreme Leader of Iran. This decision was made against the backdrop of mass rallies in Tehran supporting the new leadership.
A rally in support of the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran. Photo: Majid Asgaripour / WANA via Reuters.
Continuation of Attacks by the USA and Israel
- On March 9, Israeli and American forces carried out a series of airstrikes on Iranian targets, including missile factories and bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strikes targeted facilities in Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Shiraz, including infrastructure of the "Basij" forces.
- French President Emmanuel Macron reported on preparations for a "defensive" mission aimed at restoring shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation will involve the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" and other military ships.
Iran's Response Actions
- Iran announced new missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli targets. One of the attacks in Bahrain resulted in a fire at an oil refinery complex, causing injuries.
- Eastern Jordan was again subjected to missile fire from Iran, with reports from Der Spiegel indicating that ballistic missiles were launched at the US base in Asrak, but no casualties were reported.
- On March 9, NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile over Turkey, which was neutralized by air defense systems.
- Iran also carried out missile strikes on Israel, resulting in one death and two injuries.
Humanitarian Consequences of the Conflict
- According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,200 people have died in the country since the start of hostilities, and over 12,000 have been injured.
- In Israel, dozens of casualties and hundreds of injuries have also been recorded due to Iranian attacks.
- Five players from the Iranian women's national football team, who faced persecution at home, are seeking asylum in Australia.
Completion of the Operation in Iran on the Horizon
- US President Donald Trump stated that the operation against Iran could end "very soon," although this is unlikely to happen this week.
- Trump clarified that a decision to deploy US troops in Iran has not yet been made. He noted that discussions with Israel concern the deployment of special forces to protect highly enriched uranium.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Iran's readiness to expand military actions and independently determine the timing of their completion.