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

Top 10 Strongest Militaries in the World in 2026 – Full Ranking

Assessing global military strength goes far beyond counting troop numbers. Analysts evaluate a combination of personnel strength, defence budgets, advanced weapon systems, nuclear capabilities, logistics, and strategic alliances.

According to the Global Firepower Index 2026, military power is measured using more than 60 indicators, including airpower, naval strength, logistics, geography, financial resources, and combat readiness. The ranking also factors in technological innovation, cyber warfare capacity, and the ability to project force globally.

Through sustained defence spending, nuclear deterrence systems, and advanced weapons development, the world’s leading military powers — led by the United States, Russia, and China — continue to maintain a significant edge.

Their military dominance is reinforced by global bases, strategic alliances, sophisticated naval fleets, powerful air superiority platforms, and rapidly expanding cyber and space capabilities. Beyond hardware, highly trained personnel and coordinated defence partnerships also play a crucial role in sustaining global influence and responding quickly to emerging security threats.

Below are the Top 10 strongest militaries in the world in 2026, based on the Global Firepower Index.

1. United States

The United States maintains the most powerful military in the world, backed by the largest defence budget globally and an unmatched global network of bases. Its military strength is driven by advanced technologies such as stealth aircraft, nuclear submarines, cyber warfare systems, and space-based defence capabilities.

The US operates the largest fleet of aircraft carriers, allowing it to project power across multiple regions simultaneously.

PowerIndex: 0.0744
Active Personnel: 1,328,000
Reserve Personnel: 2,127,000
Defence Budget: $895 billion
Capital: Washington, D.C.

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2. Russia

Russia’s military strength is built on its massive nuclear arsenal, extensive armoured divisions, and powerful missile systems. It possesses one of the world’s largest inventories of tanks, artillery, and strategic ballistic missiles, making it a formidable land power.

The country also invests heavily in electronic warfare, air defence systems, and cyber capabilities.

PowerIndex: 0.0788
Active Personnel: 1,320,000
Reserve Personnel: 3,570,000
Defence Budget: $126 billion
Capital: Moscow

3. China

China fields the largest standing army in the world and has rapidly expanded its military technology and naval capacity. The country has invested heavily in aircraft carriers, hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence warfare systems, and space defence programs.

China’s military modernization reflects its ambition to become a global military power capable of operating far beyond Asia.

PowerIndex: 0.0788
Active Personnel: 2,035,000
Reserve Personnel: 3,045,000
Defence Budget: $266.85 billion
Capital: Beijing

4. India

India operates one of the largest armed forces globally, supported by nuclear weapons capability and a massive reserve force. Its military is undergoing rapid modernization, including investments in indigenous fighter jets, missile systems, and naval assets.

India’s strategic location and expanding defence partnerships enhance its influence across South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

PowerIndex: 0.1184
Active Personnel: 1,455,550
Reserve Personnel: 5,137,000
Defence Budget: $75 billion
Capital: New Delhi

5. South Korea

South Korea maintains a highly capable military supported by advanced technology, mandatory military service, and a strong alliance with the United States. Its forces are structured to counter the persistent threat posed by North Korea.

The country has also invested heavily in missile defence systems, fighter jets, and advanced naval vessels.

PowerIndex: 0.1656
Active Personnel: 600,000
Reserve Personnel: 3,800,000
Defence Budget: $50 billion
Capital: Seoul

6. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom maintains a technologically advanced military with nuclear deterrence capabilities. Its naval power includes modern aircraft carriers such as HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, enabling long-range deployment.

The UK also plays a major role in NATO missions and international security operations.

PowerIndex: 0.1785
Active Personnel: 144,400
Reserve Personnel: 215,050
Defence Budget: $71.5 billion
Capital: London

7. France

France fields a highly capable and flexible military, supported by nuclear deterrence and advanced aerospace technology. It operates one of Europe’s most powerful armed forces and frequently participates in international peacekeeping and counterterrorism missions.

France also maintains overseas bases that allow global military reach.

PowerIndex: 0.1878
Active Personnel: 270,000
Reserve Personnel: 474,750
Defence Budget: $63.7 billion
Capital: Paris

8. Japan

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are among the most technologically advanced in the world. The country prioritises missile defence, maritime security, and advanced surveillance systems to safeguard its territory.

Close security cooperation with the United States further strengthens Japan’s military posture.

PowerIndex: 0.1839
Active Personnel: 247,000
Reserve Personnel: 317,600
Defence Budget: $57 billion
Capital: Tokyo

9. Türkiye

Türkiye possesses a large and battle-experienced military, supported by a rapidly expanding domestic defence industry. The country has become a leader in combat drone technology, armored vehicles, and missile systems.

Its strategic location also allows it to influence security developments in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

PowerIndex: 0.1902
Active Personnel: 355,200
Reserve Personnel: 890,700
Defence Budget: $20 billion
Capital: Ankara

10. Italy

Italy rounds out the top ten with a modern NATO-standard military capable of operating across land, sea, air, and cyber domains. The country maintains aircraft carriers, advanced fighter jets, and naval forces that support NATO missions and international peacekeeping.

Italy also plays a key role in Mediterranean security operations.

PowerIndex: 0.2164
Active Personnel: 165,500
Reserve Personnel: 359,550
Defence Budget: $30 billion
Capital: Rome

Top 10 Strongest Militaries in the World in 2026 – Full Ranking

Trump Rejects UK Aircraft Carrier Deployment in US-Iran Middle East War

US President Donald Trump has said the United States no longer needs British aircraft carriers to support its ongoing military campaign in the Middle East, delivering a pointed message to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing tensions between the two allies over the war with Iran.

Trump made the remarks on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, reacting to reports that the United Kingdom was considering deploying two Royal Navy aircraft carriers to the region to assist US forces.

“The United Kingdom is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer,” Trump wrote. “But we will remember. We don’t need people who join wars after we’ve already won.”

The comments came shortly after Trump attended a solemn ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the bodies of six US service members killed in the Middle East conflict were returned to American soil. The soldiers were among the first American casualties in the escalating confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

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British media reports indicate that the Royal Navy is preparing HMS Prince of Wales, one of the UK’s two aircraft carriers currently stationed at Portsmouth, for possible deployment to the Middle East. However, officials in London have stressed that no final decision has been made regarding the deployment.

The aircraft carrier, one of the largest warships in the Royal Navy, is capable of carrying F-35 fighter jets and supporting major air operations. If deployed, it would significantly boost Western naval presence in the region, where tensions have risen sharply following military strikes and retaliatory attacks linked to the US-Iran conflict.

Trump has been openly critical of Starmer’s approach to the crisis. The British prime minister initially refused to take part in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28, citing concerns over the legal and strategic implications of joining the conflict.

London later agreed to a US request to use two British military bases for what Starmer described as a “specific and limited defensive purpose.” The facilities are believed to include RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, both of which are strategically important for US military operations.

Despite the move, Trump continued to criticize the British government’s stance, mocking Starmer by saying, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.” His remarks have drawn attention to growing friction in the traditionally close US-UK alliance, often referred to as the “special relationship.”

At the same time, the US president indicated he wants to avoid expanding the conflict further. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he did not want Kurdish fighters to launch an offensive against Iran.

“We’re not looking to the Kurds going in,” Trump said. “We’re very friendly with the Kurds, but we don’t want to make the war any more complex than it already is.”

His statement appeared to mark a shift from earlier remarks in which he said he would support Iranian Kurdish groups attacking Iranian forces in coordination with the US-Israeli campaign.

The US-Iran war, which erupted after coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military facilities, has triggered widespread instability across the Middle East. Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting US bases and allied infrastructure, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Military analysts warn that deploying additional Western naval forces — including aircraft carriers — could significantly escalate tensions and potentially draw more countries into the confrontation.

For now, Washington appears to be seeking greater control over the scope and pace of the military campaign, even as allies consider increasing their presence in the region.

Trump Rejects UK Aircraft Carrier Deployment in US-Iran Middle East War