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Iran Fires Missiles as Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds Father as Supreme Leader

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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran Fires Missiles as Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds Father as Supreme Leader

Iran fired a new wave of missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf nations early Monday after the Islamic Republic appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, succeeding his late father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The escalation comes nine days after joint US-Israeli strikes killed Ali Khamenei, plunging the Middle East into a rapidly expanding conflict that has already drawn in multiple regional actors and rattled global markets.

Iranian state television announced the appointment of the 56-year-old cleric following a decision by the 88-member Assembly of Experts, the powerful body responsible for selecting the country’s supreme leader.

Reading the official statement, a presenter said Mojtaba Khamenei “is appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the respected representatives of the Assembly of Experts.”

The clerical body said it “did not hesitate for a minute” in naming a successor despite what it described as “the brutal aggression of criminal America and the evil Zionist regime.”

Shortly after the announcement, Iranian state media broadcast footage of a projectile reportedly launched toward Israel bearing the slogan “At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba,” signalling loyalty to the new leader.

The missile barrage targeted Israel and several Gulf states, intensifying fears that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones heading toward an eastern oil field, while the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported missile attacks within their territories. Authorities in Bahrain said air raid sirens were activated after an Iranian drone strike wounded 32 people on the island of Sitra, including a 17-year-old girl with severe head and eye injuries and a two-month-old baby.

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Saudi officials also reported that a projectile struck Al-Kharj province, killing two people and injuring 12 others. In Israel, authorities said Iranian missile attacks have killed 10 people, as air defence systems intercepted several incoming projectiles overnight.

In response, Israel launched another wave of air strikes, targeting infrastructure and strategic facilities in central Iran. The Israeli military said the operations were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and disrupting logistical networks used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Over the weekend, Israeli forces also carried out a strike on a hotel in central Beirut, reportedly targeting five commanders of the IRGC’s Qods Force, the unit responsible for coordinating Iran’s overseas military operations. Lebanon’s health ministry said four people were killed and 10 injured in the Beirut strike.

The conflict has also intensified in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah militants said their fighters were engaged in ongoing clashes with Israeli forces. Hezbollah claimed Israeli troops landed in eastern Lebanon using 15 helicopters crossing from Syria, triggering fierce fighting near the town of Nabi Sheet.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported heavy clashes in the area, while officials said Israeli strikes across the country have killed at least 394 people, including 83 children and 42 women, since the war began. Two Israeli soldiers were also reported killed during operations in Lebanon.

Inside Iran, the health ministry said at least 1,200 civilians have been killed and about 10,000 wounded since the war began, although the figures could not be independently verified. The conflict erupted amid recent nationwide protests in Iran, which security forces had previously crushed with deadly force.

Analysts say the new leader, widely viewed as a hardline cleric closely aligned with the Revolutionary Guard, is expected to maintain his father’s tough stance against dissent and Western influence.

The widening conflict has sent global oil prices soaring, with benchmark crude climbing above $100 per barrel for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The spike reflects fears that the war could disrupt energy supplies, particularly if fighting spreads to key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes daily.

Stock markets across Asia fell sharply on Monday as investors reacted to rising geopolitical risks and higher energy costs. Despite the surge in oil prices, US President Donald Trump dismissed the spike as a “small price to pay” for eliminating what he described as the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump had earlier dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight” and suggested that Washington should influence who leads Iran. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” he said in an interview before the leadership announcement.

Israel’s defence minister had also warned that whoever succeeded Ali Khamenei would become a potential military target, while the Israeli military vowed to pursue Iran’s leadership if necessary.

As the conflict escalates, the US State Department ordered non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia, days after a drone strike hit the US embassy compound in the kingdom. Trump said any decision on how long the war continues would be coordinated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged full loyalty to the new supreme leader, saying its forces were ready for “complete obedience and self-sacrifice” in carrying out his orders.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the leadership transition would “guarantee national sovereignty and territorial integrity”, as diplomats declared their allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei.

With missile exchanges continuing across multiple fronts, analysts warn the crisis could develop into one of the most dangerous Middle East conflicts in decades, with far-reaching consequences for global security and energy markets.

Iran Fires Missiles as Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds Father as Supreme Leader

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Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack

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Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack
Smoke rising over Tehran, Iran, following airstrikes on military targets.

Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack

Jerusalem/Tehran – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran early Monday, hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at northern Israel in the first direct attack between the two nations since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April.

The IDF said its aircraft struck military sites belonging to the “Iranian terror regime,” including areas near Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in those cities. The strikes also hit the Karun Mahshahr Petrochemical Company in Khuzestan Province, marking the first reported attack on an Iranian energy-related site since the April 8 ceasefire.

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, defended the strikes, stating that “no self-respecting country” would accept missile attacks on its territory. He added that Israel was targeting Iranian surface-to-surface missile launch sites and infrastructure not related to the energy sector.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Israel used air-launched ballistic missiles in the strikes and warned that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon or responds further, it will face more “crushing and regretful blows.”

The Iranian missile barrage on Sunday targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel, according to the IRGC. The attack was in response to recent Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The IDF said it intercepted the incoming projectiles, with no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in Israel.

The IRGC claimed its forces struck two Israeli air bases—Nevatim and Tel Nof—during the operation it codenamed “Victory” (Nasr). Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that the Mahshahr special petrochemical economic zone was being evacuated following the Israeli strikes. The Tehran fire department confirmed that no urban areas in the capital had been targeted, with explosions limited to military sites. Iran temporarily closed the airspace around Tehran’s main international airport following the attacks.

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President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise restraint and avoid retaliatory action to preserve de-escalation efforts, telling Axios, “Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate… Each of them had their fun. We don’t need another one.” However, Israel proceeded with the strikes despite the president’s appeal. Trump told the Financial Times that Netanyahu “doesn’t call the shots” and would have “no choice” but to accept a deal with Iran, signaling a widening rift between the two allies as the administration seeks to wind down the conflict.

The exchanges mark the latest breach of the fragile ceasefire arrangements that followed the wider U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began in late February 2026. A senior U.S. official described Israel’s strikes as “relatively limited” in scope. The escalation threatens to derail sensitive talks to end the wider conflict and cast the region back into chaos. Iran has demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon before an accord can be reached with the U.S., while Hezbollah last week rejected a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

No immediate casualty figures were available from the Iranian side. Both countries have issued warnings of further escalation as the situation continues to develop, with the IDF calling up reserve battalions and reinforcing fronts, including forces continuing operations in southern Lebanon.

Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack

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Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK

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Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK
Mark Yinka Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley

Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK

London, United Kingdom – The music world is in mourning following the tragic death of Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Mark Yinka Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, who was stabbed to death in east London on Friday morning. He was 35 years old.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, on Rayleigh Road in Silvertown, east London. Police responded to reports of a stabbing and discovered Riley in the garden of a property suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency services’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to a hospital. As of Sunday evening, he remained receiving treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation. Three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of murder: a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman.

According to police statements, the 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while the 24-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been released with no further action.

In a heartbreaking statement released through police, Riley’s family described their loss with overwhelming sadness.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning,” the family statement read.

They continued: “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally, it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

The family also described Riley as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Riley’s younger brother, Michael Orabiyi Riley, known professionally as Scribz Riley—a successful music producer and songwriter in his own right—shared an emotional tribute on Instagram that revealed the heartbreaking details of their final conversation.

“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that in the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away,” he wrote.

“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation.”

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He continued: “Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon. I love you brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in paradise Yinka. Until we meet again.”

Born Mark Yinka Orabiyi in London in 1990, Talay Riley had Nigerian heritage and grew up in East London in a family where music played a central role. He entered the music industry at the young age of 18 after securing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.

His career gained wider recognition following a feature on Chip’s 2009 single ‘Look For Me,’ after which he signed with Jive/Sony Records. Over the years, he toured across the United Kingdom and the United States, sharing stages with major artists including Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz.

However, it was behind the scenes that Riley made some of his most significant marks. He built an impressive songwriting portfolio that included credits on tracks for some of the biggest names in pop and R&B. His songwriting credits include Chip’s UK No.1 hit ‘Oopsy Daisy,’ Khalid’s global smash ‘Young Dumb & Broke,’ Dua Lipa’s ‘Last Dance,’ as well as work with H.E.R., Chris Brown, Usher, Britney Spears, Kehlani, Craig David, Ella Mai, Nick Jonas, Zendaya, Tinie Tempah, and The Chainsmokers. At the time of his death, he had 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

News of Riley’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from across the music industry, with fellow artists and collaborators sharing their shock and condolences on social media.

Craig David, who worked with Riley, commented: “Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.”

Kehlani shared: “Big hugs scribz i’m so sorry.”

R&B superstar Khalid wrote: “I’m so sorry bro… im sending you so much love.”

Riley’s longtime friend and collaborator, rapper Chip, delivered an emotional tribute on Instagram: “You aint deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life. RIP Talay Riley. I’ll cherish the memories forever fam. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family.”

Stormzy was also among the famous artists to pay tribute to the singer. This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes commented: “May he rest in peace. I will always remember how kind he was to everyone and his friendly smile.”

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, appealed to the public for assistance.

“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” she said.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”

Specialist officers are providing support to Riley’s family during this difficult time. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1868/5JUN, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK

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Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

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Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

JERUSALEM/TEHRAN – Iran on Sunday launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Tehran warned that further attacks would continue for days and could expand to include more targets linked to Israel and the United States.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as a warning to Israel, saying the action was a response to what it called Israeli aggression, including an earlier attack on Lebanon. According to the IRGC, ballistic missiles were fired at the Ramat David Airbase, located southeast of the northern Israeli city of Haifa. The group also accused the United States and Israel of violating commitments under a ceasefire agreement that took effect in early April.

In a statement, the IRGC declared: “This operation is not a passing event, but rather the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” It added: “Waves of missiles and drones will continue to be launched around the clock for the next seven days until the enemy is deterred and ceases its crimes.” The IRGC further warned that “any targeting of Iranian territory will be met with a devastating and overwhelming response beyond all expectation.” The Iranian military body further warned that if Israel repeated what it described as aggressive actions, its response would be wider in scope and would target all American and Israeli interests across the region.

IRGC Aerospace Commander Majid Mousavi declared “promise fulfilled” following the strikes, according to Iranian media reports. Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, wrote on X: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate violations of the ceasefire and aggression against Lebanon. Tonight, the aggressors received their response.”

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United States President Donald Trump called on Iran to halt further attacks and resume diplomatic engagement following the missile launches. The White House confirmed Trump had been briefed on the strikes. A Fox News correspondent quoted Trump as saying: “You’ve shot your missiles. That’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.” Trump also reportedly expressed displeasure with Israel’s earlier strike on Beirut, telling Fox News: “I’m not happy about it.” According to Axios, Trump said he was in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding: “I’m calling Netanyahu right now and telling him not to attack Iran in response.”

The Jerusalem Post later reported that Trump asked Netanyahu to avoid striking Iran in retaliation. “If Netanyahu strikes them back, it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or last 3,000 years,” Trump said. “We can achieve peace after 3,000 years.”

Israel’s military said its air defence systems had successfully responded to the attack. The Israel Air Force said it had intercepted “all the missiles launched from Iran so far.” It added that “additional launches” had been detected and that Israeli forces were continuing efforts to track and neutralise incoming threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens had been sounded in “several areas across the country.” An IDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Effie Defrin, stated that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and that Israel was “prepared for the possibility of additional fire.”

However, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir struck a more aggressive tone, posting in Hebrew on X: “Tonight, Tehran must burn!” following the attacks on northern Israel. Senior Israeli officials told Channel 12 News that Israel will “respond forcefully” to the Iranian missile attacks, adding that Israel “cannot allow a situation in which Iran fires at Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut.”

The Iranian attack occurred hours after Israel struck southern Beirut — the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered truce was reached last week. Two air strikes on two residential apartment buildings in the Dahieh district — a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah — killed at least two people and injured at least 20, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Anadolu Ajansı reported that the death toll from Sunday’s Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon had risen to eight killed and 13 injured. At least two of those killed were in the Beirut strike, while six others died in airstrikes on villages in the Nabatieh area.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck “terrorist headquarters in the Dahieh district of Beirut, in response to Hezbollah’s firing at Israeli territory.” Hezbollah has since confirmed it fired at Israeli military positions. The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, claimed the army had targeted a Hezbollah infrastructure facility in the area. A joint statement by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the attack was carried out in response to Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel Sunday morning.

The escalation comes just months after a ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel came into effect in early April. Sebastian Usher, the BBC’s global affairs correspondent in Jerusalem, noted that the tension between Iran, Israel, and the US over Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon has been building in intensity in recent days. “The possibility of a major new escalation in Lebanon prompted President Trump to tell Netanyahu in the strongest possible language to hold back, for fear that any such action would derail the already fraying ceasefire between the US and Iran,” Usher wrote.

A sketchy new ceasefire was subsequently agreed between the Israeli and Lebanese governments at talks mediated by the US. But that ceasefire appeared to have collapsed after Israel carried out strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut in response to continued rocket fire by Hezbollah into Israel. “Much will now depend on Israel’s response,” Usher added. “There could be a new round of tit-for-tat attacks between the two countries that could reignite the Iran war. How President Trump reacts will also be key. For now, he still seems set on trying to defuse the situation.”

Israel has continued carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon since a Hezbollah cross-border attack in early March. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the overall death toll since the outbreak of the armed escalation on March 2 has climbed to 3,613, with 11,072 people injured. The IRGC, in its statement, accused the US and Israel of “failing to honour their commitments” under the ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel that came into effect in early April. The ceasefire had been seen as a rare diplomatic achievement in the region, but Sunday’s events suggest its foundations were fragile.

The situation remains highly volatile. Key developments to watch include Israel’s response, as Trump has urged restraint but hardliners in the Israeli cabinet including Ben-Gvir are pushing for retaliation; Iran’s promised week of strikes, as the IRGC has pledged to continue launching waves of missiles and drones for seven days; US diplomatic efforts, as President Trump has urged restraint from both sides but his influence over Netanyahu and Tehran may be tested in the coming days; and Hezbollah’s role, as the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon remains actively engaged, and any further Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory could trigger additional escalation.

Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

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