Several explosions rocked Iran’s capital Tehran again on Monday, AFP journalists reported. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact targets. Earlier, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes in central Iran, hitting security installations and missile launch sites. According to Israeli sources, the strikes targeted a rocket engine production facility and several long-range ballistic missile launch locations.
At the same time, Iran intensified its retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region. Bahrain sounded emergency sirens on Monday and urged residents to move to safe locations amid Iranian threats. “The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the country’s interior ministry said. Iranian strikes also hit Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, BAPCO, after which the state oil company declared force majeure.
These developments come after the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on multiple Iranian oil facilities, including sites in Tehran, marking the first such attack since the conflict began.
Gulf countries intercept Iranian drones and missiles
Saudi Arabia said its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed four Iranian drones heading toward the Shaybah oilfield. The United Arab Emirates also confirmed that its air defence systems responded to a missile attack targeting the country.
Meanwhile, Qatar raised its security alert level after authorities detected possible threats. The country’s defence ministry later announced that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack before it could cause damage.
Saudi authorities also reported intercepting a drone over the Rub al-Khali desert that was allegedly heading toward the Shaybah oilfield. Earlier, the Saudi defence ministry said it had thwarted ballistic missile attacks targeting the Prince Sultan airbase and drone attacks aimed at Riyadh.
Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader
As the West Asia conflict entered its second week, Iran appointed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to state broadcaster IRIB. Mojtaba is the son of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in earlier joint US-Israeli strikes.
IRIB reported on its Telegram channel that Iran had already launched the “first wave of missiles under Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei toward occupied territories.”
Revolutionary Guards pledge allegiance
Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, as the new leader, after which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) quickly pledged allegiance to him, AFP reported. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei described the appointment as “a source of joy and hope,” while senior official Ali Larijani called the selection “completely legal.”
Trump criticises Iran’s new leader
US President Donald Trump earlier criticised the appointment and described the new Iranian leader as “a lightweight.” In an interview with Axios last week, Trump said he hoped Iran would choose a leader who could bring “harmony and peace” to the country. He also warned that the new leadership might not last long without broader international acceptance.
Israel claims strike on IRGC air force headquarters
The Israeli military said it had destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ air force during its latest strikes. According to the statement, the facility served as a command centre for ballistic missile operations, UAV units, and other air force divisions.
Israel has continued heavy airstrikes across Iran since the conflict began. Israeli forces struck more than 140 targets on Sunday alone, according to military officials. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the campaign could take time and urged patience. “We need perseverance. The operation will take as long as necessary,” he said during a security assessment.
US orders embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia
Amid rising tensions, the United States ordered non-emergency embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia due to security risks. The US State Department said it made the decision after a series of attacks targeting diplomatic sites.
Last week, drones struck the US embassy in Riyadh, while American diplomatic missions in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also faced attacks. The US government has advised its personnel to relocate until the security situation stabilises.
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