Mojtaba Khamenei becomes ‘Iran’s New Supreme Leader’ as nation enters ‘New Era’ amid regional war
TEHRAN, Monday, March 9, 2026 (WNP): The life and scholarly background of Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, recently announced as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, reflects decades of religious study, teaching and involvement in the country’s revolutionary institutions. Born in 1969 in the holy city of Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei....
China defends Iran’s leadership transition, rejects Trump’s criticism
BEIJING, Monday, March 9, 2026 (WNP): China on Monday defended Iran’s leadership transition, saying the process that led to the appointment of the country’s new supreme leader was conducted in accordance with Iran’s constitution and should not be subject to approval or rejection by foreign powers. Speaking during a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to...
Explosions rock Tehran Boulevard as fuel lines ignite after U.S.–Israeli strikes on oil depots
TEHRAN, Sunday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): A series of explosions and fires were reported on a boulevard in Tehran after fuel and petrol runoff from damaged oil facilities ignited following overnight airstrikes attributed to the United States and Israel, according to local media and eyewitness accounts. The blasts occurred hours after coordinated strikes targeted multiple oil storage depots and fuel...
Unverified claims circulate that Iran used decoy military equipment to mislead U.S., Israeli Air Forces
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON, March 8, 2026 (WNP): Unverified reports circulating on social media and some online platforms claim that Iran deployed large numbers of fake or decoy military assets—including mock fighter jets, tanks, and air-defense systems—allegedly sourced from China in an attempt to mislead U.S. and Israeli forces during the ongoing regional conflict. According to these claims, the decoys were...
U.S.–Israeli strikes hit Iranian oil depot as Middle East conflict intensifies
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON, March 8, 2026 (WNP): An Iranian oil storage depot was struck during a series of U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iran, triggering large fires and escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East conflict. The attack comes as hostilities between Iran and its adversaries enter their second week. According to regional media reports and security officials, warplanes targeted oil...
Trump, Vance attend dignified transfer ceremony honoring six fallen U.S. service members
WASHINGTON, Saturday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J. D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, attended a solemn dignified transfer ceremony honoring six American service members who lost their lives while serving the nation. The ceremony, a military tradition in which the remains of fallen service members are returned...
Russia claims heavy Israeli losses in first 72 hours of Iran conflict; figures unverified
MOSCOW / TEL AVIV, March 8, 2026 (WNP): Russian intelligence sources have alleged that Israel suffered significant military and intelligence losses during the first 72 hours of the ongoing conflict with Iran, claiming casualties exceeding 1,200 personnel across several branches of Israel’s security and defense establishment. According to figures circulated by Russian sources, the reported losses include six generals, 32...
Mojtaba Khamenei elected Iran’s New Supreme Leader amid escalating regional conflict
TEHRAN, Sunday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the third Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, marking a historic and controversial leadership transition during a period of intense regional conflict. The decision was announced by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for selecting...
UNESCO, ICAIRE mark Int’l Women’s Day, highlight global AI training initiative for women
RIYADH, Sunday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): UNESCO marked International Women’s Day on Sunday by highlighting global efforts to empower women in emerging technologies, including initiatives led by the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh. Operating under UNESCO’s auspices, ICAIRE is working to build a more inclusive global ecosystem for artificial intelligence while supporting women’s participation...
Iran signals restraint after Asim Munir–Khalid bin Salman talks, seen as boost for regional stability
RIYADH, March 7, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Syed Asim Munir, held a high-level meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, with discussions focusing on the evolving regional security environment and strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. According to official sources, the meeting addressed growing security concerns...