Khamenei Names Successor Candidates

Amid the most intense attacks on Iran since the 1980s, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone underground, operating from a secure bunker as Israeli strikes devastate Tehran. Suspicious of electronic surveillance and infiltration, Khamenei has suspended digital communications, relying on a trusted aide to liaise with military and political commanders.

In a highly unusual move, he has prepared for the possibility of his own assassination by submitting three names to the Assembly of Experts as potential successors. This is a rare preemptive step aimed at ensuring a swift transition and preserving the Islamic Republic’s stability in wartime. Notably, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, long rumored to be a possible heir, is not among them.

Khamenei has also appointed backups down the military chain of command to maintain continuity as Israeli strikes have wiped out several top commanders. Iran, according to officials, is focused on three priorities: shielding its leadership, bracing for possible U.S. entry into the war, and preventing further infrastructure sabotage by covert Israeli operatives believed to be active inside the country.

Source: NYT

Moscow handed over 20 bodies of Russian troops to Kyiv instead of Ukrainian soldiers, Zelensky says.

Source: AFP

Belarusian President Lukashenko meeting with Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.

Zelensky:

German and Czech companies still supply Russian military industry.

Source: AFP

Zelensky:

Up to 700,000 Russian troops are now on the territory of Ukraine.

Macron says Europeans will accelerate negotiations with Iran.

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Internet in Iran has collapsed again after a brief restoration.

The nationwide shutdown continues.

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It houses the tombs of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, his wife, son, and other notable political figures.

NEW: Explosions are being heard in the city of Ahvaz, located in Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran.

IDF:

We are currently attacking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran.

Smoke is rising in Ahvaz following the Israeli strike.

Interesting note: B-2s were refueled immediately after takeoff.

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Iran will “settle the score” with IAEA chief Grossi after the war.

Mayor of Israel's Haifa:

We're hoping for peace treaty.

We have no time. Look at the destruction.

They must sit, negotiate, and design a treaty now. It’s not a big deal—just do it.

Confession of a Mossad Spy to Iran’s Judiciary Chief:

Interrogator: Your job involved filming anti-aircraft systems. What is your job?

Detainee: I’m unemployed.

Turkish President Erdogan meets with Iran’s FM Araghchi in Istanbul.