Day 10 of the War: Mojtaba Khamenei Takes Power, Oil Above $100, Iran Rejects Ceasefire

The tenth day of the war between the US-Israel coalition and Iran brought the historic rise of a new supreme leader, a sharp increase in oil prices, and Tehran's rejection of a ceasefire. The conflict's death toll has exceeded 1,850 across twelve countries.

Mojtaba Khamenei — a dynastic successor

On Sunday, Iran's Assembly of Experts officially appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the new supreme leader. This marks the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic that power has passed within a family. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) immediately declared "full obedience" to the new leader. President Pezeshkian described the choice as "a reflection of the Islamic community's will to strengthen national unity." NBC News ↗

Eight members of the Assembly boycotted the session in protest against IRGC pressure over the vote. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu immediately threatened the new leader with elimination if he continues the attacks. Trump declared that the new leader "won't last long" without American approval. CBS News ↗

First salvo under the new leadership

Just hours after Khamenei's appointment, Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel. Residents took shelter in bomb shelters. The IDF confirmed the detection of missile launches heading toward Israeli territory. Iran also continued its attacks on Gulf countries — ballistic missiles and drones struck Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. Al Jazeera ↗

Israel eliminates IRGC military command

The IDF announced the destruction of the IRGC air force headquarters in Tehran. The precision strike killed Abu al-Qasim Babaeian, the newly appointed head of the supreme leader's military office and chief of staff for the Khatam al-Anbiya strategic command. Babaeian was a key coordinator among various branches of Iran's military apparatus. Sunday Guardian ↗

The IDF also carried out 100 airstrikes on Lebanon, eliminating three senior Hezbollah commanders in Beirut. Since Monday, nearly 400 people have died in Lebanon and 1,130 have been injured, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. More than 454,000 people have been displaced. NBC News ↗

Attacks on Gulf states: First casualties in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia recorded its first two deaths since the conflict began. An Iranian projectile struck a residential area in Al-Kharj, killing an Indian and a Bangladeshi national and injuring 12 people. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack as "unacceptable" and ordered the evacuation of non-essential American personnel. CBS News ↗

In Bahrain, a drone wave in Sitra injured 32 people, including children aged from 2 months to 17 years, four of whom required surgery. A fire at the Mina Salman port was attributed to "Iranian aggression." Al Jazeera ↗

Kuwait reported two more deaths — border guard officers killed "in the line of duty." At the same time, a wave of hostile drones attacked fuel storage facilities at Kuwait International Airport.

Eighth American soldier killed

A seventh American soldier succumbed to injuries from the Iranian attack on units in Saudi Arabia on March 1. An eighth soldier was confirmed dead a day after Trump paid tribute to the fallen at a ceremony in Dover. In total, the US has also lost 9 MQ-9 Reaper drones worth over $270 million. CBS News ↗

Oil above $100 — economic shock

The price of Brent crude jumped above $100 per barrel on Sunday, the highest level since July 2022. The average US gasoline price reached $3.45 per gallon, a increase of 47 cents over the week. South Korea's Kospi fell 8 percent, and Asian markets recorded sharp declines. Analysts predict US gasoline will reach $4 per gallon within a month. NBC News ↗

The Strait of Hormuz has remained de facto closed since March 2. On March 8, the IRGC again confirmed that the strait is closed to vessels from the US, Israel, and their Western allies. Trump called the rise in oil prices "a very small price" to pay for eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat. Senate Democratic Leader Schumer called for the release of strategic oil reserves. NPR ↗

Iran rejects ceasefire

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi categorically rejected a ceasefire in an interview with NBC News, stating that Iran "must continue fighting for its people." Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf threatened: "If the enemy attacks us from any country, Tehran will respond decisively." NBC News ↗

French President Macron spoke by phone with the Egyptian president about de-escalation. The Swiss Minister of Defense described the attacks as an "immoral and unlawful" violation of international law. Lebanon's Foreign Minister banned Hezbollah's military activities and demanded the surrender of weapons.

Cyber warfare: Iran in the dark

Alongside the military operations, an unprecedented cyber offensive continues. Iran was effectively cut off from the internet for more than 60 hours — connectivity dropped to 1 to 4 percent of normal levels. Attackers also infiltrated the popular Iranian prayer app BadeSaba, urging citizens to rise up against the regime. Jerusalem Post ↗

Toll after 10 days

The total death toll has exceeded 1,850 dead and 3,100 injured across 12 countries. Of these, more than 1,330 are Iranian civilians, 400 Lebanese, 12 Israelis, and 8 American soldiers. Foreign casualties in the region include three Indians, one Chinese national, one Filipino, one Nepali, one Pakistani, and two Bangladeshis. The UN estimates that 25 million people in the affected areas need humanitarian assistance, while UNHCR has so far received only 15 percent of the requested $454 million.