Iranian Leaders Project Defiance Amid Ongoing Missile Strikes

Tehran Experiences Continued Strikes Amid Ongoing Conflict

Multiple air strikes hit Tehran and other cities in Iran on Sunday, according to reports from the Israeli army. The attacks targeted military centres, with Iranian authorities largely refraining from discussing missile impacts. Internet connectivity remained blocked for a second day.

Following the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top commanders on Saturday, the remaining top authorities of the Islamic Republic are moving forward with their plans. A new leadership council has been established, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and newly appointed member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.

Pezeshkian stated that the council will govern until a new supreme leader is selected through the Assembly of Experts process. The assembly’s laws dictate that a clerical body will choose the next leader. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the process should be completed within days.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to continue its operations and pledged revenge for the deaths of its members, including commander Mohammad Pakpour. The IRGC launched an offensive operation against occupied lands and US bases in the region. Army chief Amir Hatami also pledged to defend the country, while police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan stated that his forces are prepared to fight for public safety.

Security chief Ali Larijani made a statement on X, saying that Tehran does not wish to attack its neighbours but considers US bases in those countries as “American territory”. A separate post by Larijani read, “TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE”.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing conflict and uncertainty.

Source: Al Jazeera