The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States intensified Monday as Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of longtime supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader while fighting across the region continued.
The leadership decision adds another volatile element to a war that has already spread beyond Iran’s borders, triggering economic shockwaves and raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment places him at the helm of Iran’s political and religious leadership during one of the most dangerous periods the country has faced in decades. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated that such a succession would be unacceptable, while Israeli officials have warned they would target any future Iranian leadership they view as directing attacks against Israel.
Fighting continued overnight with fresh airstrikes reported across several parts of the region. A CNN team in Tehran reported hearing repeated explosions believed to be Israeli airstrikes as Israel said it had launched new attacks targeting sites in central Iran.
The violence also spilled into Lebanon, where multiple airstrikes struck the southern suburbs of Beirut. Lebanese state media reported that one strike targeted a financial institution linked to the militant group Hezbollah, which maintains strong ties to Iran.
Israel said its latest operations targeted both Iranian facilities and Hezbollah infrastructure.
Iranian officials signaled little interest in negotiations while the attacks continue. Tehran’s foreign ministry said diplomacy would not be possible while Iran remains under military pressure, emphasizing that the country would prioritize responding to what it described as ongoing aggression.
Iran also rejected suggestions that it had launched missiles toward neighboring Turkey or Azerbaijan, saying its defensive actions should not be interpreted as hostility toward regional countries.
The escalating war has already begun to ripple through the global economy. Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel Monday, reaching their highest level in four years as markets reacted to fears that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies across the Middle East.
Asian financial markets closed with steep losses as investors responded to the sudden jump in oil prices and rising geopolitical risk.
The International Monetary Fund warned the conflict could have serious global economic consequences, including renewed inflation pressures if energy prices continue to climb.
Meanwhile, the United States is investigating a controversial strike that reportedly hit a naval base located next to a school in Iran. Newly circulated video appears to show damage near the site of the strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being examined.
President Trump blamed Iran for the situation surrounding the attack, while officials have not yet released details about casualties or damage.
The current fighting follows an earlier ceasefire agreement reached last year after a brief 12-day conflict between Iran and its adversaries. Iranian leaders say any future ceasefire would need to permanently end hostilities.
Source: CNN