Day 9 of the war: Iran has a new supreme leader, Kuwait and Bahrain under fire, Trump accused Iran of attacking a school

The ninth day of the war between the US-Israel coalition and Iran brought a major political turn – Iran elected a new supreme leader following the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. At the same time, intense strikes on oil infrastructure in Tehran continued, and Iranian retaliatory strikes hit civilian infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Mojtaba Khamenei – Iran's new supreme leader

The Assembly of Experts announced on Sunday that it had reached consensus on a new supreme leader. According to multiple sources, including the Washington Post and Iran International, the position went to Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This is the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic that supreme power has passed within a single family. Washington Post ↗

The election took place under heavy pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with eight members of the Assembly boycotting the sessions in protest against the coercion. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu immediately threatened the new leader with death if he continues the attacks. Iran International ↗

Black rain over Tehran – strikes on oil depots

Israeli air forces struck five key oil facilities in Tehran and its surroundings overnight into Sunday. Massive columns of black smoke rose over the capital, and satellite images captured huge fires at the Shahran oil depot in northeastern Tehran. Fuel distribution in the city was temporarily halted. According to Iranian authorities, the strikes on the oil facilities claimed four victims. Al Jazeera ↗

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that more than 3,000 targets have been struck since the operations began, and 43 Iranian warships have been destroyed. Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform that "Iran will be hit very hard today" and threatened "total destruction" of certain areas. CNN ↗

Iran fires missiles at Israel – residents in shelters

On Sunday morning, Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel. Residents took shelter in air-raid shelters. At the same time, Iranian attacks on Gulf countries continued – ballistic missiles and drones hit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.

Kuwait: Drone hits government building, skyscraper in flames

An Iranian drone hit a government building in Kuwait and caused a fire in one of the skyscrapers. Kuwait announced a reduction in oil production and a strengthening of air defenses. Since the start of the conflict, four people have died in Kuwait, including six American soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command. Al Jazeera ↗

Bahrain: Desalination plant damaged

An Iranian drone attack caused material damage to a water desalination plant in Bahrain, injuring three people. This is the first attack on civilian water infrastructure of an Arab country in this conflict. Bahrain's Interior Minister condemned the attack. Al Jazeera ↗

In the United Arab Emirates, the number of injured rose to more than 112, with the UAE president declaring readiness to face threats. Saudi Arabia intercepted several drones near Riyadh.

Trump accused Iran of attacking a girls' school

President Trump accused Iran of attacking a girls' school in the Iranian city of Minab, in which several children were reportedly killed. Trump denied US responsibility for the attack and claimed that Iran alone bears responsibility for the tragedy. The Pentagon did not comment on the accusations. CBS News ↗

Macron heads to Cyprus with an aircraft carrier

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a visit to Cyprus and ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems, and the frigate Languedoc were deployed to Cyprus. Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain also sent military assets to protect the island after a Shahed-type drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri base. PBS ↗

Strait of Hormuz remains closed – oil prices rising

The Strait of Hormuz has remained closed since March 2. The price of Brent crude is hovering around 80-82 dollars per barrel, representing an increase of 10-13 percent. The US WTI price recorded the largest weekly increase in the history of the futures contract (+35.63%). Gasoline prices in the US rose to 3.41 dollars per gallon. Major container shipping companies Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended transits through the strait. The Trump administration announced a 20-billion-dollar insurance program for oil tankers. Bloomberg ↗

Iran warns Azerbaijan and refuses negotiations

Iran "sternly warned" Azerbaijan, though further details were not disclosed. Iran's Foreign Minister rejected any negotiations with the US and stated that Iran "has not requested a ceasefire." Oman, the traditional mediator, expressed dismay over the attacks, which it said undermined ongoing negotiations.

Repatriation of citizens from the Middle East

On Saturday, Slovakia transported another 115 people from the Middle East, with further repatriation flights planned through Tuesday. The Czech Republic successfully transported 189 citizens from Dubai, with about 1,400 Czechs having returned via repatriation flights in total. People stranded in Riyadh and other Gulf cities remain a problem.

The UN has declared a major humanitarian emergency – 25 million people in the affected areas need assistance. UNHCR is requesting 454.2 million dollars for 2026, of which only 15 percent is currently funded. UNHCR ↗