Category: Europe-Asia

Tehran (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to fragment Iran through the ongoing military conflict. In a televised interview marking the war’s eighth day, Larijani said their “problem is ‘Iran’ itself… not a minor change but the total breakdown of the country.”

He claimed the initial attacks, including the “martyrdom of Imam Khamenei and other children of the revolution,” were designed to trigger collapse. According to Larijani, Washington’s strategy relied on “shock” tactics to overthrow the government and divide Iranian territory. “Even today, Mr Trump’s published message claimed Iran is being torn apart,” he noted.

Larijani argued the U.S. miscalculated: “They wanted to trap the people in a state of shock and awe, but they failed because the Iranian people have seen such trials before.” He added, “They did not expect the Iranians not to let go; now they are desperate.”

He dismissed rumours of military defections, insisting the IRGC, Army, and Basij remain active. He accused the U.S. of trying to incite ethnic divisions, particularly among Kurds, but said they “know the Americans treat them transactionally and have no loyalty.”

Condemning attacks on schools and hospitals, Larijani said, “Trump does not understand. Iranians may have differences, but they stand by Iran.” He also mocked Trump’s suggestion of deciding Iran’s future leader, calling it “backwards” and insulting.

On U.S. casualties, Larijani alleged figures were understated and claimed American soldiers had been captured in some countries. He warned regional states against hosting U.S. bases: “If Israel has attacked us, why do you allow it to use your bases? It is Iran’s right to respond.”

Larijani vowed to continue missile strikes until compensation is paid. “Our missile reservoirs are upright,” he said, rejecting claims of weakened capabilities. He concluded by thanking Iranians for their “zeal and pride” and warned: “Any talk that creates division is a deadly poison… We are passing through the peak of the war.”

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — After days of speculation, Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced on Sunday that Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric and the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been formally selected as the country’s new Supreme Leader.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who warned that any successor to the late Ayatollah would be considered a target for elimination. 

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has long been regarded as an influential figure within Iran’s political and religious establishment, despite never holding elected office. His appointment marks a historic moment, as Iran’s system traditionally discourages hereditary succession. However, his close ties to the Revolutionary Guards and clerical networks positioned him as a strong candidate.

Born in Mashhad in 1969, Mojtaba studied at the Qom Seminary and rose to prominence as a mid-ranking cleric. He briefly served in the Iran–Iraq War before gaining influence through his role in the Basij militia and his proximity to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. 

Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, he was widely believed to have played a role in shaping Iran’s domestic politics during the 2009 Green Movement protests. His leadership is expected to consolidate power within the Khamenei family.

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026— U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from the United Kingdom to deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in support of ongoing American and Israeli military operations against Iran. 

In a post on his Truth Social account Sunday, Trump dismissed the offer, writing: “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — but we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!”

The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and London over Britain’s limited role in the conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that the UK’s priority is protecting British citizens in the region and avoiding escalation into a wider Middle East war. 

Britain has confined its involvement to defensive operations, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles and evacuating nationals. UK officials argue that joining direct strikes against Iran could risk expanding the conflict into a full-scale regional war. Instead, London has pursued a dual-track strategy of military readiness and diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation.