Tehran, March 4: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced on Wednesday the commencement of the 17th wave of attacks on American and Israeli installations. Local media reported that the IRGC’s ground forces retaliated against Israeli-U.S. assaults with three major operations, launching 40 missiles at Israel on Wednesday.
While announcing another phase of Operation True Promise 4, an IRGC spokesperson stated that immediately following the joint Israeli-U.S. attacks, their ground forces fired over 230 drones at occupied territories and U.S. bases in the region.
The statement noted, “Dozens of drones were launched at U.S. military bases in Erbil and Kuwait.”
The IRGC claimed that a new wave of Iranian counterattacks had significantly weakened a major U.S. airbase in Bahrain, with command centers reportedly destroyed.
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the IRGC asserted Iran’s legal right to defend itself against “acts of aggression” by the U.S. or Israeli governments.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the announcement was made regarding the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader. According to Tasnim News Agency, he was appointed by Iran’s Assembly of Experts. This announcement came shortly after the deaths of several top Iranian commanders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday.
A special report from Iran International indicated that this selection was made under pressure from the powerful IRGC. Sources revealed that due to the current war situation, a full meeting of the Assembly of Experts was not possible, leading to the decision being made through virtual meetings and internal consultations.
The report suggests that his appointment is politically sensitive, especially considering the recent death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in the attacks. This has heightened tensions and confrontations across the Middle East.
In Tehran, a three-day mourning period will commence at midnight on Wednesday (Indian Standard Time) in memory of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Tasnim News Agency, people will gather at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla to pay their respects.
