Sources quoted by Iran International said Iran’s Assembly of Experts has chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s next Supreme Leader after the death of his father.

Mojtaba is the son of Ali Khamenei. The reported decision has not received official confirmation from Iranian state media.

IRGC Influence Reported in Leadership Choice

The sources said the Assembly of Experts made the decision under strong pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This development is unusual. It may show that the Guards are gaining greater influence over Iran’s political transition.

Observers say such pressure, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in how leadership decisions are made in the Islamic Republic.

Iran Continues Strikes in Gulf

At the same time, Iran continued to launch attacks on Israeli and US targets in the Gulf. The strikes came as Israel and the United States intensified their military operations inside Iranian territory. Casualties have risen across the region as fighting expands.

Qatar Intercepts Iranian Aircraft and Missiles

Meanwhile, Qatar said its air force “successfully intercepted” two incoming SU-24 fighter jets from Iran. It also stopped seven ballistic missiles and five drones before they could hit targets.

The interceptions highlight the widening scope of the conflict across Gulf airspace.

Heavy Casualties Inside Iran

Inside Iran, joint US-Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 555 people. The number reflects the growing human cost of the ongoing campaign.

Security chief Ali Larijani denied reports from US media that he had started new efforts to resume nuclear talks with Washington. He rejected claims that Iran was seeking fresh negotiations amid the crisis.

US Warplanes Crash in Kuwait

In the Gulf, Kuwait Ministry of Defence said several US warplanes crashed on Kuwaiti territory. All crew members survived the incidents.

The US military later clarified that Kuwaiti air defence systems accidentally shot down the aircraft.

Violence Spreads to Lebanon

Beyond the Gulf, violence also intensified in Lebanon. Israeli strikes killed at least 31 people after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel.

In response, Lebanon’s prime minister announced a ban on Hezbollah’s military operations. The move aims to contain further escalation inside the country.

The conflict continues to expand across multiple fronts, with rising casualties and growing political uncertainty in the region.