International
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Steps Forward as Potential Leader Following Khamenei’s Death
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Steps Forward as Potential Leader Following Khamenei’s Death
Paris / March 1, 2026 — Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah and one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures, has publicly declared his willingness to lead a transitional phase for Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday. His announcement signals a dramatic and historic moment in the country’s leadership vacuum and sparks debates about the nation’s political future.
In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post, Pahlavi wrote that “many Iranians, often even after facing bullets, have called on me to lead this transition. I am in awe of their courage, and I have answered their call.” He outlined a roadmap for a democratic Iran, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and international oversight.
Pahlavi proposed that a new constitution be drafted and ratified through a national referendum, followed by free elections, after which the transitional government would dissolve. He stressed that Iran would avoid repeating the mistakes of past Middle Eastern interventions, ensuring there would be no power vacuum, chaos, or dissolution of institutions. “A democratic Iran would transform the Middle East, turning one of the world’s most persistent sources of upheaval into a pillar of regional stability,” he wrote.
The exiled prince’s emergence comes after a pre-dawn strike by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iran on Saturday, which targeted key leadership and defense locations, killing top officials including the defense minister and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei’s death and said there were “some good candidates” to lead Iran, though he did not elaborate.
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Pahlavi, who was designated crown prince before his father Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has lived in exile in the United States for decades. He has long been a prominent voice advocating for human rights, political freedom, and democratic reforms in Iran. His recent statement urges Iranians to remain united, including security forces, to support a peaceful transition and prevent any internal power grabs by regime loyalists.
Analysts say Pahlavi’s bid is largely symbolic, given that Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an elected body of clerics, formally controls the succession of the supreme leader under the current constitution. However, his statements resonate with reformist and opposition groups both inside Iran and in the diaspora, reflecting a growing public desire for political change.
Pahlavi’s move also underscores broader regional and international implications, as Tehran faces uncertainty about its leadership, foreign policy direction, and stability. Whether he will have a tangible role in the country’s future remains uncertain, but his call for democracy, transparency, and citizen-led governance positions him as a central figure in discussions about Iran’s next chapter.
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Steps Forward as Potential Leader Following Khamenei’s Death
International
One Dead, Multiple Injured After Iranian Missiles, Drones Hit UAE Airports
One Dead, Multiple Injured After Iranian Missiles, Drones Hit UAE Airports
At least one person has been killed and several others injured after Iranian missiles and drones struck major airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE authorities confirmed. The attacks late Saturday prompted airspace closures, flight suspensions, and emergency evacuations, as regional tensions escalated in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi Airports stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the interception of a drone targeting Zayed International Airport caused debris to fall, resulting in one fatality — an Asian national — and seven injuries. Emergency services rushed the injured to hospitals, while flight operations at affected airports were temporarily halted to ensure passenger safety. At Dubai International Airport (DXB), four additional people were wounded after falling debris struck terminal areas. Passengers were evacuated, and airlines including Emirates and Etihad suspended or delayed flights, leaving thousands of travellers stranded. Authorities urged the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information.
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The United Arab Emirates’ air defence forces intercepted dozens of incoming missiles and drones launched by Iran, preventing more extensive damage. However, debris from downed projectiles caused limited structural damage and injuries in areas surrounding the airports, including residential neighborhoods.
The attacks are part of a broader escalation following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory. Iranian forces launched the missile and drone attacks in retaliation, heightening regional security concerns and raising fears of further spillover conflicts in the Gulf. Authorities warned of potential risks to civilian areas and critical infrastructure, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and heightened alert levels.
The strikes forced temporary closure of UAE airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Emergency services have been deployed to affected areas to manage injuries and ensure public safety. Officials continue to investigate the incidents and urged residents and travelers to follow safety guidelines and updates from official channels. The UAE government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and critical infrastructure while working with regional and international partners to manage the crisis and prevent further escalation.
One Dead, Multiple Injured After Iranian Missiles, Drones Hit UAE Airports
International
Kamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
Kamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
Washington — March 1, 2026
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly criticised President Donald Trump over the recent U.S.–Israeli strikes in Iran, accusing him of dragging the country into an “unnecessary and dangerous” war.
In a statement posted on the X app, Harris described the strikes as a “war of choice” that bypassed Congressional oversight and lacked support from the American people. She warned that the military escalation jeopardises U.S. credibility, global stability, and the lives of American service members.
“Donald Trump is dragging the United States into a war the American people do not want,” Harris said. “I am opposed to a regime-change war in Iran, and our troops are being put in harm’s way for the sake of Trump’s war of choice.”
Harris sharply criticised Trump for breaking his campaign promises to end wars rather than start new conflicts, calling the military escalation reckless and contrary to U.S. interests. She described the strikes as a gamble with both American lives and regional security, arguing that decisive leadership and diplomacy should guide responses to threats like Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
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She also raised constitutional concerns, noting that the president must receive Congressional authorisation before committing the U.S. to war. “Even if he had sought approval, this action is unwise, unjustified, and not supported by the American people,” Harris said, highlighting the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war and peace.
Harris emphasised the human cost of the conflict, stressing that American troops deserve leadership that demonstrates discipline, steadiness, and strategic judgment. “Our troops deserve a Commander-in-Chief who approaches decisions on matters of war and peace with the same steadiness and discipline our troops show every day,” she stated.
Her remarks echo growing concerns among Democratic leaders, constitutional scholars, and global observers about the legality and prudence of the strikes. Some lawmakers have called for a War Powers resolution to limit presidential authority and prevent further escalation without congressional approval.
While acknowledging Iran’s legitimate security threats, Harris insisted that military escalation is not the solution, urging the U.S. government to prioritise diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and restraint. She argued that responsible leadership is essential to avoid prolonged conflicts and destabilisation in the Middle East.
Harris’ statement reflects a rising political backlash within the U.S. against Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis, adding to domestic and international pressure for a more measured approach to foreign policy.
Kamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
International
BREAKING: Iran Forms Three-Member Leadership Council to Steer Country After Khamenei’s Death
BREAKING: Iran Forms Three-Member Leadership Council to Steer Country After Khamenei’s Death
Tehran — March 1, 2026
Iran has entered a constitutional leadership transition following the reported death of its long-time supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering the activation of succession mechanisms outlined in the country’s constitution. Iranian state media confirmed that a three-member interim leadership council has been appointed to temporarily assume the duties of the supreme leadership while the process of selecting a permanent successor begins.
The interim council is composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s current head of government; Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the country’s judiciary chief; and a senior cleric drawn from the influential Guardian Council. The arrangement is provided for under Article 111 of Iran’s constitution, which mandates the formation of a collective leadership structure to prevent a power vacuum whenever the position of supreme leader becomes vacant.
The leadership change follows reports that Khamenei was killed during pre-dawn military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, an event that has sharply escalated tensions within Iran and across the wider Middle East. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain politically sensitive, Iranian authorities have moved quickly to demonstrate continuity of governance.
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Under the constitutional framework, the interim leadership council will oversee state affairs while the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic clerics, convenes to select a new supreme leader. The assembly is required to act “as soon as possible,” though the timeline and outcome remain uncertain due to complex internal power dynamics.
Analysts note that although the council provides a legal structure for continuity, real influence during the transition may also rest with powerful institutions such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as senior clerical and political elites. This makes the current period one of the most delicate moments in Iran’s post-revolutionary history.
The transition marks only the second leadership change at the top of Iran’s political system since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, underscoring the rarity and significance of the moment. Domestically, Iran faces the challenge of maintaining stability amid uncertainty, while internationally, governments and markets are watching closely for signals about Tehran’s future direction.
As national mourning continues and diplomatic tensions remain high, the appointment of the interim leadership council is intended to reassure both Iranians and the international community that the state remains functional. However, the eventual choice of a new supreme leader is expected to have far-reaching implications for Iran’s domestic governance, regional posture, and relations with the wider world.
BREAKING: Iran Forms Three-Member Leadership Council to Steer Country After Khamenei’s Death
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