The elevation of the 56-year-old mid-ranking cleric comes at a moment of existential crisis for the Islamic Republic. His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28 during the opening salvo of Operation Epic Fury, a massive joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign.

Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran

Key Takeaways: Iran’s Leadership Transition & Regional Escalation

• Hereditary Succession Confirmed: For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, power has shifted from father to son. Mojtaba Khamenei (56) was named Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8, 2026, following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.

• IRGC Influence: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly applied significant pressure on the Assembly to finalize the vote quickly to prevent a power vacuum during active combat. The IRGC has publicly pledged “total obedience” to the new leader.

• U.S. Rejection: President Donald Trump has signaled that the U.S. does not recognize the legitimacy of the transition, warning that a leader without U.S. “approval” will “not last long.”

• Intensifying Strikes: The transition occurs as Operation Epic Fury enters its second week. U.S. and Israeli forces have struck over 3,000 targets, recently focusing on Iranian telecommunications, naval assets, and oil storage facilities in Tehran and Esfahan.

• Regional Spillover: The conflict has expanded beyond Iran’s borders. Retaliatory Iranian strikes have hit civilian and military infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, resulting in the first reported civilian fatalities in Saudi Arabia.

• Economic Shockwaves: Global energy markets are in turmoil. Brent Crude has surged past $108 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz remains a high-risk zone, disrupting a significant portion of the world’s daily oil supply.

• Rising Death Toll: The humanitarian cost continues to climb, with over 1,200 casualties in Iran and nearly 400 in Lebanon. The U.S. military has confirmed the deaths of seven service members since the operation began.

A Wartime Succession

The 88-member Assembly of Experts reportedly reached a “decisive vote” following days of intense pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sources indicate the IRGC pushed for an immediate appointment to fill the power vacuum and maintain military morale as the war enters its tenth day.

In its official statement, the Assembly urged Iranians—particularly “elites and intellectuals”—to rally behind the new leader to “safeguard national unity at a pivotal juncture.” Within hours, the IRGC and the Iranian armed forces officially pledged their “complete obedience” to the new Supreme Leader.

International Backlash and “Unacceptable” Outcomes

The appointment has already drawn a sharp rebuke from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously signaled that a hereditary succession would be viewed as illegitimate.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump told ABC News shortly before the announcement. U.S. officials have maintained that they will not engage in diplomacy until their military objectives—centered on regime change and the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program—are met.

Similarly, the Israeli military posted a stark warning on social media, stating it would continue to pursue anyone seeking to appoint a successor to the late Ayatollah, calling the “long arm of Israel” a persistent threat to the new leadership.

The Man in the Shadows

Unlike his father, Mojtaba Khamenei has never held a formal government position or an elected office. Often described as a “power broker in the shadows,” he has spent decades building deep ties within the IRGC and the clerical establishment in Qom.

Military Background: As a young man, he served on the front lines during the Iran-Iraq War.

Political Influence: He has long been credited with orchestrating the rise of hardline political figures and was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2019 for his “behind-the-scenes” authority.

A Region on the Brink

The leadership change unfolds as the conflict spreads across the Middle East. While Israel and the U.S. continue to strike oil refineries and missile sites in Tehran and Esfahan, Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE.

For the first time since the war began, fatalities were reported in Saudi Arabia after a projectile struck a residential area. Meanwhile, global markets remain in a state of shock, with Brent Crude prices surging past $100 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to shipping.

For many Iranians, the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei is seen as a desperate move for survival by a regime under siege. Critics argue it betrays the revolutionary promise of 1979 to end dynastic rule, potentially deepening a legitimacy crisis even as bombs continue to fall.

Read More:

• Trump vs. Mojtaba: The Battle for Legitimacy in Tehran
• Operation Epic Fury: U.S. and Israel Launch 29th Wave of Strikes
• Oil Prices Surge Past $105 as Strait of Hormuz Remains Choked
• U.S. Missile Strike Near Iranian School Kills Dozens of Children

The post Iran Names Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader Amid Escalating War appeared first on WNV.

In a major escalation of hostilities, Israel launched a series of precision airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities early Friday, marking the third direct attack on Iranian soil this year.

The Israel strikes come amid heightened tensions following Iran’s alleged sabotage of an Israeli commercial vessel in the Red Sea earlier this week.

Latest Developments on Israel Strikes Iran (June 13, 2025)

• Targets Hit: Israeli forces struck Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) bases in Isfahan and a suspected underground nuclear facility near Natanz.

• Iran’s Response: Tehran claims “limited damage” but vows “crushing retaliation.” Air defenses were activated in multiple cities.

• Casualties: Unconfirmed reports suggest at least 12 IRGC personnel killed.

• Global Alarm: The UN Security Council convenes an emergency session, while oil prices surge 4% on supply fears.

Why Now? Escalating Shadow War Turns Hot

The attack follows months of proxy clashes between Israel and Iran, including:

• June 10, 2025: Iran-linked Houthis attack Israeli-linked tanker near Yemen.

• May 2025: Mossad assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran.

• April 2025: Israel bombs Hezbollah arms depot in Syria.

Strategic Objectives Behind Israel’s Strike

According to leading regional security experts, Israel’s latest strike appears designed to achieve three critical goals.

Dr. Emily B. Landau of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) notes the operation likely sought to degrade Iran’s nuclear progress, specifically targeting facilities that could accelerate uranium enrichment toward weapons-grade levels. General (Ret.)

Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, emphasizes the parallel aim to deter IRGC proxy attacks against Israeli assets overseas, citing recent Houthi and Hezbollah operations as red lines.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sanam Vakil (Chatham House) highlights the geopolitical calculus: by escalating pressure on Iran’s infrastructure, Israel forces global powers—particularly the U.S. and EU—to reconsider stalled sanctions regimes. “This isn’t just about retaliation; it’s about changing the diplomatic equation,” Vakil said.

Iran’s Next Move: Limited Strike or Full War?

Iran faces a dilemma:

• Option 1: Retaliate via proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis) to avoid direct war.

• Option 2: Launch missiles at Israel, risking U.S. intervention.

• Option 3: Accept the hit and regroup—but risks looking weak domestically.

Latest Intel: U.S. satellites detect unusual missile movements in western Iran.

Global Reactions on Israel Iran Conflict

• U.S.: President Harris warns “all options on the table” but urges de-escalation.

• Russia & China: Blame Israel for “reckless aggression” at the UN.

• EU: Divisions emerge—France/Germany call for restraint, Poland backs Israel.

• Saudi Arabia & UAE: Silent publicly but privately boost air defenses.

Market & Security Impact

• Oil: Brent crude hits $98/barrel—highest since 2022.

• Flights: Emirates suspends Tel Aviv routes; FAA warns airlines over Persian Gulf.

• Military Alerts: U.S. sends additional warships to the Red Sea.

What’s Next?

1. 48-Hour Window: Will Iran strike back before weekend?

2. Nuclear Fallout: If Natanz was hit, will Iran expel IAEA inspectors?

3. Proxy War Expansion: Hezbollah could open second front from Lebanon.

Expert Take

“This is the most dangerous moment since 2020,” says Dr. Ali Vaez, Crisis Group. Both sides are in uncharted territory—one miscalculation could ignite the region.

Live Updates (Refresh for Latest)

• 14:00 GMT: Unconfirmed explosions near Baghdad (Iran-backed militia base?).

• 13:30 GMT: Netanyahu to address nation at 19:00 local time.

• 12:45 GMT: IAEA chief en route to Tehran for emergency talks.

Why This Matters

The Israel-Iran conflict has now moved beyond shadow warfare into direct state-on-state strikes. With Iran closer than ever to nuclear breakout and Israel unwilling to tolerate it, the risk of a regional war is at its highest in years.

Follow WorldNewsViews.com for real-time updates.

Read Also:

• Why did Israel attack Iran?
• Iran response to Israel attack
• US role in Israel-Iran conflict

The post Israel Strikes Iran 2025: Escalation Amid Rising Tensions appeared first on WNV.

Due to the mass killings and genocide by Israel, BDS movement is getting famous among netizens and Palestinian supporters from all around the world.

In this article, we are going to share a list of companies that support Israel. However, before we discuss what companies supporting Israel, we will shed light on what is BDS and their agenda.

What is BDS?

BDS means Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. It is a Palestinian led movement for freedom, justice and equality. According to the BDS National Committee (BNC), BDS upholds the simple principle that Palestinians hold the same human rights as the rest of the humanity.

Recently, South Africa moved to International Court of Justice against Israel involved in mass killings and genocide of Gaza. The BDS movement is getting further stronger and people around the world are actively boycotting the companies that support Israel and pressuring these companies to stop aiding the country involved in Genocide.

Now, let’s explore what companies are supporting Israel?

List of Companies That Support Israel

There are four segments of this list.

1. Consumer Boycott Targets

BDS movement has requested supporters to completely boycott the following brands carefully chosen due to their proven record of complicity in Israeli apartheid.

1. AXA
2. PUMA
3. Carrefour
4. HP
5. Chevron
6. Caltex
7. Remax
8. Ahava
9. Texaco
10. Siemens
11. Sodastream

2. Pressure Targets

The BDS movement also request the supporters to build pressure campaigns against the following companies. They also urge the supporters to use alternatives, do lobbying, peaceful disruptions and build strong social media pressure.

12. Google
13. Amazon
14. Airbnb
15. com
16. Expedia
17. Disnep
18. Teva

3. Divestment and Exclusion Targets

This is another list in which BDS Movement working to pressurize the governments, institutions and various constitutional and corporate bodies to exclude following companies from procurement and investment.

19. Elbit Systems
20. CAF
21. Volvo
22. CAT
23. Barclays
24. JCB
25. Intel
26. HD Hyundai
27. Chevron
28. TKH Security
29. HIKVISION

4. Organic Boycott Targets

It is pertinent to mention that BDS movement didn’t ask supporters to boycott following companies. However, people started boycott campaigns organically against these food companies that support Israel.

30. McDonalds
31. Domino’s Pizza
32. PizzaHut
33. Papa John’s
34. Burger King
35. Starbucks
36. Wix (Not a Food company)

Final Words

This list is growing as new companies and institutions are being added in the BDS Boycott list. It is pertinent to mention that BDS movement is using the historically proven and successful methods of targeted boycotts inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the Indian anti-colonial struggle and the US Civil Rights movements.

You May Like To Read:

• What Happened On 7th October 2023?
• List of Countries Supporting South Africa Case in ICJ
• Israel-Palestine Crisis 2021: Explained

The post List of Companies That Support Israel [BDS List Updated 2024] appeared first on WNV.

Later, when Soviet Union was dissolved, NATO started moving its hands towards the Eastern European Nations, within the communist orbit. NATO added the 3 Nations from the Soviet Baltic, in 2004.

Then Ukraine gets an endorsing cue from NATO to get its membership offer. After 4 years, it was declared publicly, that NATO has offered membership to Ukraine.

This declaration was an unnerve sitch for the failing superpower, Russia.

Ukraine Joining The Western Military Alliance

The expansion of NATO around Russia was an empiric bluff. It was very clear by now that Ukraine is joining the Western Military Alliance. Putin expresses his views on Television that this Hostile Act of Ukraine is a dreadful ultimatum for the sovereignty and existence of Russia.

Previously, Putin had many times said that Culture wise, linguistically, and politically, Ukraine is a part of Russia. In July 2021, Putin has penned down a lengthy essay. He clearly stated that Ukraine is a friendly part of Russia, but West is manipulating Ukraine by forcefully changing its identity.

Russia was tightening its military grip and forces in the Ukrainian border from last year by sending tons of fully equipped soldiers. Russia’s attack at Ukraine has triggered acute combat between the Russia and Western Powers.

Ukrainian People & Poll Results

On the other hand, Ukraine has shown that its own sovereignty and existence matters and it’s not a “West Puppet”. At public level, many polls and referendums shown that 80% public of the Ukraine is more interested in US and European Alliance than being connected to Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said that Russia has no rights to restrict Ukraine from any kind of alliance to anyone. President further expresses that threat was existed from many years, and Ukraine is emotionally, militarily, and willingly prepared for the War.

Right after first attack by Russia, Zelensky made a direct address to the public and assured them that they will fight for their country till their last breath. He declared Martial Law on Urgent basis. Instead of getting offer to leave the country safely, Zelensky stays there. He has communicated with the West Leaders that they don’t need Plane to fly but they need weapons to fight.

In this panic and dreadful dilemma in the country, President is very active among his public and keep on posting videos in which he is encouraging his public to stay strong and show high resistance against Russia.

Read Also: How Many Countries Are in NATO?

The post What is the Issue between Ukraine and Russia? appeared first on WNV.

In the European Union, most of the countries hold televised debates. After all the parties have nominated and selected their candidates, then these debates are held late in the election cycle.

Importance of Presidential Debates

Debates are important for voters who are undecided in selecting the right candidates. Mitchell McKinney, professor of communications at the University of Missouri said that through debates candidates can talk about themselves, they can share their stories and can present their stances on different issues of the country. One can connect with a larger audience and can give them a positive message that will make a difference in the future.

Many debates are remembered by the world as the debate between Kennedy and Nixon, Jimmy Carter with Gerald Ford, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk and finally Justin Trudeau’s debate. Debates can reveal some important skills of candidates like communication skills, personality traits, priorities, and preferences, etc.

Research has shown that those people who watch the debates have more ability to find the right information about the candidates than those who don’t watch the debates. These debates will help in deciding which candidate is the best option who can handle the task of the presidency.

Read:

• Importance of Face Masks During COVID-19
• Massive Diagnostic Network

The post Importance of Presidential Debates appeared first on WNV.