**Summary:** Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran on Sunday, March 8. This follows the death of Ali Khamenei on February 28 in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a body composed of 88 Shia clerics.
- He is considered close to conservative factions due to his ties with the Revolutionary Guards.
- Israel has already declared the new Supreme Leader, who is appointed for life, a "target."
- US President Donald Trump stated the new leader "will not last long" without his approval.
- The Revolutionary Guards immediately pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader.

**Why it matters:** The succession occurs amidst an ongoing war in the Middle East, with the US and Israel diversifying their targets against Iranian infrastructure, signaling a potential continuation of the previous hardline stance.

Mojtaba Chamenei folgt als oberster Führer Irans auf seinen Vater

Guerre en Iran : Mojtaba Khamenei élu nouveau guide suprême iranien

Mojtaba Khamenei Elected New Supreme Leader of Iran After Father's Death

**Summary:** Initial projections from the Baden-Württemberg state election show the Greens, led by Cem Özdemir, narrowly ahead of the CDU, headed by Manuel Hagel. Following the results, Özdemir called for a "partnership at eye level" with the CDU, referencing past governmental successes.

**Key points:**
- The SPD experienced a significant drop in support, nearly halving its 2021 vote share to around 5.4-5.5 percent, leading leader Andreas Stoch to announce his resignation as state and parliamentary group leader.
- The AfD achieved nearly double its 2021 result, reaching close to 18 percent, with leader Markus Frohnmaier calling it a "huge success" and establishing the party as the "relevant opposition force in the Southwest."
- The FDP and the Left Party risk failing to enter the state parliament, with both polling around 4.5 percent.
- Cem Özdemir celebrated a "brilliant catch-up race" but urged patience, while CDU leader Manuel Hagel accepted responsibility for his party's result, noting the past weeks were an "enormous burden" for his family.

**Why it matters:** The close race between the Greens and the CDU suggests complex coalition negotiations ahead, while the major losses for the SPD and potential failure of the FDP and Left Party to enter the Landtag signal a significant shift in the state's political landscape.

Baden-Württemberg hat gewählt: Hagel: Trage Verantwortung für CDU-Wahlkampf

Landtagswahl Baden-Württemberg: Özdemir will mit CDU "Partnerschaft auf Augenhöhe"

Landtagswahl: Spitzenkandidat: AfD als Oppositionskraft etabliert

Landtagswahl Baden-Württemberg: SPD-Landes- und Fraktionschef Stoch kündigt Rückzug an

Landtagswahl: Hochrechnung sieht Özdemirs Grüne in Baden-Württemberg vorn

Koalitionsrechner zur Landtagswahl Baden-Württemberg 2026

Landtagswahl in Baden-Württemberg: Grüne vor der CDU - AfD auf Platz drei | FAZ

Baden-Württemberg Election: Greens Lead, Özdemir Calls for CDU Partnership

**Summary:** Israeli strikes on Lebanon have resulted in 394 fatalities as of Sunday, March 8, 2026, according to Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine, who also reported over 1,100 injuries. The attacks, which began on Monday, have targeted civilian areas, including a hotel in Beirut and residential buildings in southern Lebanon.

**Key points:**
- The confirmed dead include 83 children and 42 women.
- Nine rescue workers have been killed since the conflict began last Monday.
- Several hospitals have become non-operational due to the ongoing situation.
- Recent strikes included an attack on a Beirut hotel killing four, and one on Sir al-Gharbiyeh killing 19.
- Israel stated it conducted a precise strike targeting key commanders in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict has caused significant civilian casualties in Lebanon, prompting condemnation from Lebanese officials regarding the targeting of medical facilities and personnel. This escalation follows Hezbollah's attack on Israel on Monday in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

The Journal - Death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon up to 394 since Monday, officials say

Hespress - 394 قتيلا في غارات إسرائيل على لبنان

Lebanon Death Toll from Israeli Strikes Reaches 394

**Summary:** Iran's Assembly of Experts confirmed on Sunday, March 8, 2026, that they have elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli offensive on February 28. The name of the new leader has not yet been revealed, pending an official announcement.

**Key points:**
- The Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for electing the Supreme Leader, confirmed the vote took place.
- Potential candidates mentioned include Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder.
- Israel has warned that the new Supreme Leader and the members of the Assembly who confirmed the choice will be targets.
- The designation occurs amid ongoing intense strikes across Iran, with oil depots in Tehran reportedly hit by Israel.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims sufficient supplies for at least six months of aerial warfare.

**Why it matters:** The selection of a new Supreme Leader is a critical transition of power for Iran, occurring while the country is engaged in an active conflict with the US and Israel.

عضو بمجلس الخبراء الإيراني يؤكد انتخاب مرشد جديد - زاد الاردن الاخباري - أخبار الأردن

L’Iran choisit un successeur à Ali Khamenei - Jeune Afrique

Irán tiene nuevo líder supremo: fue elegido pero su nombre permanece en secreto - Infobae

Iran's Assembly of Experts Elects New Supreme Leader After Khamenei's Death

**Summary:** An explosion occurred near the entrance of the US Embassy in Oslo, Norway, around 1:00 AM local time, causing minor damage to the building's consular entrance. Norwegian police secured the area and confirmed there were no reports of injuries.

**Key points:**
- The blast occurred near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy.
- Police forces were dispatched around 1:00 AM local time.
- Police spokesperson Michael Dellemyr confirmed the shockwave hit the embassy.
- The embassy sustained minor damage.
- Police are investigating the cause and searching for perpetrators; the US State Department has not commented.

**Why it matters:** An explosive device detonated outside a major diplomatic mission in a European capital, prompting a significant police response, although no casualties were reported.

Взрыв прогремел у посольства США в Норвегии

Мощен взрив разтърси американското посолство в Осло

Prie JAV ambasados Osle nugriaudėjo sprogimas

Explosion near US Embassy in Oslo, Norway; no injuries reported

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump launched the 'Shield of the Americas' military coalition in Miami, gathering right-wing Latin American leaders to combat drug cartels. During the summit, Trump asserted that the Cuban regime is in its "last moments of life" and that Havana is seeking a deal with Washington, claiming he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading negotiations.

**Key points:**
- The new alliance, officially the Coalition Against Cartels in America (CCCA), aims to use military power against criminal cartels.
- Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia were not invited to the summit, which was hosted at Trump's Doral golf resort.
- Trump mentioned that he proposed bombing cartel positions or sending US troops to Mexico in conversations with President Claudia Sheinbaum, which she rejected.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named to the 'Board of Peace' for managing Gaza and was mentioned regarding potential negotiations concerning Alex Saab in Venezuela.

**Why it matters:** The formation of this exclusive, ideologically aligned regional alliance signals a shift in US foreign policy priorities in Latin America, focusing on security and countering Chinese influence, while also highlighting ongoing tensions with Cuba and Venezuela.

'Cuba's in its last moments of life', Trump tells summit in Miami

USA: Donald Trump spricht von Verhandlungen mit Kubas Führung

Donald Trump: "Cuba está en sus últimos momentos de vida tal como es"

Trump reiteró su apoyo a Javier Milei al lanzar una nueva alianza regional

Trump reúne en Miami a líderes latinoamericanos de derechas y anuncia una coalición militar contra el narcotráfico

Trump lanza su alianza militar con gobiernos afines latinoamericanos y afirma que Cuba "está en sus últimos momentos de vida"

Trump afirma que el régimen en Cuba está “en sus últimos momentos de vida” y quiere un acuerdo con EE UU

Trump Launches 'Shield of the Americas' Coalition, Claims Cuba Nearing Collapse

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that Iran would be "hit very hard" on Saturday and threatened to expand targeting to include new areas and groups of people due to Iran's "bad behaviour." This followed an apology by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to neighboring nations for recent drone and missile attacks, which Trump characterized as a surrender.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated that areas and groups previously not considered for targeting are now under serious consideration for destruction.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a rare public apology to neighboring countries affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks.
- Pezeshkian noted Iran would halt attacks unless neighbors were used as bases for strikes against Iran, but rejected Trump's call for unconditional surrender.
- The conflict escalated after Iranian missiles and drones targeted Gulf states hosting US military facilities, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

**Why it matters:** The exchange between the US President and the Iranian President signals a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the US and Israel, despite Iran's offer to cease attacks on neighbors.

Trump says Iran will be ‘hit very hard’ on Saturday

Trump Says Iran Will Be Hit Very Hard

Trump Says Relentless US, Israeli Attacks Have Turned Iran From ‘Bully’ To ‘Loser Of Middle East’

Trump Warns Iran Will Be 'Hit Very Hard' Amid Escalating Conflict

**Summary:** A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, was convicted by a US jury in New York for conspiring to assassinate prominent US politicians, including President Donald Trump, on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (CGRI). The plot, planned for 2024, was thwarted before any attack occurred.

**Key points:**
- Merchant, a 47-year-old merchant, was convicted of 'murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries.'
- Potential targets included then-President Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump.
- The alleged plot was in retaliation for the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
- Merchant testified he joined unwillingly to protect his family in Tehran, claiming he intended to cooperate with US authorities.
- The trial began shortly before Trump ordered an assault on Iran, which has expanded into a major regional conflict.

**Why it matters:** The conviction highlights ongoing international tensions involving Iran and the US, particularly concerning alleged state-sponsored terrorism against US political figures.

Pakistani convicted of plotting to kill Trump over death of Iran commander

Jurado de EE.UU. halla culpable a paquistaní de conspirar para asesinar a Trump

Pakistani Man Convicted in Plot to Kill Trump and Other US Politicians