Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as the leading candidate to take the country’s top post, according to a New York Times report. Iran’s Assembly of Experts reportedly met on Tuesday to discuss succession. Officials familiar with the talks described Mojtaba as the “clear front-runner”, though no final decision has been announced. Mojtaba, 56, has never held elected office and is not seen as a senior religious scholar. But he is believed to have strong influence behind the scenes and close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Some clerics fear naming him quickly could make him a target during tensions with the US and Israel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Gulf states are weighing their response after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones across the region following US-Israeli strikes. The attacks targeted US bases in Gulf countries but also affected civilian and energy sites. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al Ansari said the strikes had crossed “all the red lines”. He said attacks on sovereignty, infrastructure and residential areas cannot go unanswered. Most missiles have been intercepted, but falling debris has caused fires and casualties. Some drones also reached targets and disrupted travel and trade. The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries held an emergency meeting and pledged to “take all necessary measures” to defend their territories and people. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said any leader chosen to replace Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be a “target for assassination.” The warning came even before Khamenei’s funeral. Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Iranian authorities said a three-day state funeral will be held, with people allowed to pay tribute in Tehran. He will later be buried in Mashhad. Reports from Israeli media said Khamenei’s son Mojtaba may be named as the next leader. Iran has not confirmed this. Katz said Israel has instructed its military to prepare for action. “Any leader selected… will be a certain target for assassination,” he said. (PC: X)

Iran’s announcement on closing the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about India’s energy supply and economy. The narrow waterway carries about a quarter of global oil trade and large volumes of liquefied natural gas. India imports more than 85% of its crude oil needs. Around 50–55% of these supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption could affect fuel supply and prices. Axis Mutual Fund said even a short disruption may affect “energy security, inflation trajectory and external balances”. Analysts warn that shipping risks could push oil prices higher. If the disruption continues, India may face pressure on fuel supply and energy companies. (PC: India Today)

A Kuwaiti fighter jet mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighter aircraft over Kuwait on Monday, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. A US official said a Kuwaiti F-18 Hornet pilot fired three missiles at the American jets during active combat operations. The aircraft crashed in Kuwait, but the crews parachuted to safety. US Central Command said the incident happened during “active combat” involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. Iran had earlier claimed it shot down the jets. The downing came as Iranian drones were entering Kuwaiti airspace. One drone strike earlier killed six US soldiers at a base in Kuwait. Officials said the exact circumstances are still unclear. (PC: NDTV)

Israel said it carried out airstrikes on what it called “security headquarters” across Tehran as fighting with Iran continued. Israeli forces also struck targets in Lebanon and again warned people in southern Beirut to leave the area. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran since the US-Israeli attacks began on Saturday. Iran also launched attacks on US-linked sites. An Iranian drone hit the US consulate in Dubai, while a missile struck a US base in Qatar. Separately, an Iranian navy ship was reported sinking near Sri Lanka, with sailors being rescued. The cause of the incident remains unclear. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched more than 40 missiles at targets linked to the United States and Israel as tensions continue in the region. The Guards said the strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks on Iranian territory. They said the missiles targeted military and strategic sites connected to the US and Israel. The announcement came as Iran prepares for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Authorities said the public gathering will begin late Wednesday at the Imam Khomeini Musallah. People are expected to pay their respects there. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iran’s next supreme leader would be a “target for elimination”. (PC: India Today)

Saudi Arabia said it is ready to respond to Iranian attacks and protect its security and residents.   The statement followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials said the kingdom will take “all necessary measures” and support countries hit by what it called Iranian aggression.   Meanwhile, authorities in Qatar arrested 10 people suspected of spying for Iran. State media said the suspects were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.   Separately, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran since February 28, including 181 children. (PC: India Today)

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said the decision to strike Iran came only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi finished his visit to Israel. Modi was in Tel Aviv on February 25 and 26. Azar said the attack plan was not known during the meetings with the Indian leader. “It was an operational opportunity that came up only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left,” he said. Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting several cities including Tehran. The attacks killed hundreds of people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran later fired missiles at Gulf regions in retaliation. (PC: MEA/PTI/ News18)

Iran is using cheap drones worth about $20,000 to attack targets across the Middle East. The United States and its partners are using Patriot air defence missiles to stop them. Each Patriot missile costs about $4 million. Officials say the system has intercepted more than 90% of incoming drones and missiles. However, the cost difference is creating pressure on defence supplies. Iran has already launched over 1,200 drones and missiles since the conflict began. Experts say the fight may become a battle of resources. The side that runs out of weapons first could lose the advantage. Oil sites, US bases and cities remain potential targets. (PC: Bloomberg)