Reactions and statements from the international community
Following heavy attacks by the United States and Israel on positions of the Islamic Republic and the death of Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime launched retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries as promised, dragging the region into war.
Brian Kilmeade, host of Fox News, stated that Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader of the Islamic Republic following a conversation between them.
In a brief phone interview with The Times of Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment on the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new leader, saying, "We'll see what happens." Former CIA Director David Petraeus and Senator Lindsey Graham have expressed concerns, with Petraeus stating that Mojtaba Khamenei is likely to maintain his father's hardline positions.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) warned that the Islamic Republic of Iran uses densely populated civilian areas, including Isfahan, Shiraz, and Zahedan, to launch military operations such as drones and missiles. CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper urged Iranian civilians to remain in their homes.
On Monday, March 8, 2025, Saudi Arabia issued a stern warning to Iran in an official communiqué, threatening serious consequences if Iran continues its attacks on Arab countries, following a drone attack on an oil field in the kingdom. The statement also rejected Iran's claims that it has halted attacks on Gulf Arab states and warned of escalating tensions and potential serious repercussions for relations.
Rain fell in Tehran on Wednesday morning following Israeli airstrikes that burned oil depots around the capital, prompting the Iranian Red Crescent to warn of potential "acid rain" containing hazardous chemicals and advising residents on safety measures. #OperationEpicFury #OperationLionsRoar
BREAKING: The Royal Saudi Air Force is engaging Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drones targeting oil facilities, similar to operations by the UAE Air Force. Videos show F-15 Eagle and Eurofighter Typhoon jets shooting down the drones. #OperationEpicFury #OperationLionsRoar
American personnel at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia have been ordered to leave the country, according to The New York Times. This decision comes more than a week after the commencement of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and follows the announcement by CENTCOM that an American service member wounded in Iran's March 1 attack on Saudi Arabia has died from injuries.
General David Petraeus, former CIA director, described the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as leader of the Islamic Republic as "regrettable" in an interview with CNN, expressing hope for a more pragmatic leader who would comply with US demands to halt Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Morad Vaisi, a senior analyst at Iran International, stated that the United States and Israel have indicated they will target the new leader of the Islamic Republic, regardless of who assumes the role, including Mojtaba Khamenei, in response to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been introduced as the third leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite his voice and image being largely unknown to the public. Only one video of Mojtaba Khamenei exists, which was recorded from his online advanced jurisprudence and principles class in 2024.
Murad Wasey, an Iranian national analyst, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei has been officially designated as the new Rahbar by the Majlis-e-Khabarghan under the control of the Sepah, and suggested that he may be targeted and killed by America or Israel.
