US-Israel War on Iran

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi government has announced that US forces will complete their withdrawal from Iraq’s Kurdistan region by September 30, marking another step in the planned transition of the American military mission in the country. According to foreign media reports, Iraqi and US officials held discussions in the Kurdistan region regarding the withdrawal and the transfer of military responsibilities. Under the plan, US military bases in Kurdistan will be handed over to Iraqi security forces following the departure of American personnel. The Iraqi government said the movement of US military equipment and personnel out of the region is already underway. The withdrawal is expected to take place in coordination with Iraqi authorities to ensure an orderly transition. The announcement comes as Baghdad and Washington continue implementing an agreement reached in 2024 on the gradual transition of the US-led military mission in Iraq. The agreement envisaged a phased reduction of the international coalition’s military role while strengthening Iraq’s own security capabilities. US forces have played a significant role in supporting Iraqi forces in the fight against Islamic State militants and in providing training, intelligence and logistical assistance. The latest withdrawal from Kurdistan is therefore likely to attract attention as Iraq assumes greater responsibility for securing military facilities previously used by US forces. The Iraqi government has not provided further details on the exact number of American troops or equipment involved in the latest phase of the withdrawal.

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled two key positions in the country’s security and political establishment, appointing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The appointments were announced through messages attributed to Khamenei on social media on Sunday, according to reports, placing two veteran figures with extensive military and political experience in prominent roles at a sensitive moment for Tehran. In his message to Zolghadr, Khamenei cited his “valuable experience” while appointing him as a political adviser. Zolghadr has held several senior positions in Iran’s security establishment and previously served as secretary of the SNSC. The move follows Zolghadr’s departure from the council’s top administrative position. Reports said Rezaei has been appointed to replace him as secretary of the powerful security body, while also serving as Khamenei’s representative on the council. Rezaei is a veteran figure in Iran’s political and military establishment. He served as commander of the IRGC for much of the Iran-Iraq war era and has held a range of senior political positions. He has also previously run for Iran’s presidency. The latest appointments are drawing attention because the SNSC plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s defence, security and foreign-policy decisions. Although the council is formally chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, its work brings together senior political, military and security institutions. The timing of the reshuffle is particularly significant as Iran faces continuing pressure over regional security and negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Recent diplomatic efforts have focused on arrangements for shipping through the strategically important waterway, making changes within Tehran’s security leadership especially closely watched. Both Zolghadr and Rezaei are associated with Iran’s security establishment and have extensive experience in military affairs. Analysts are therefore likely to watch closely for any indication that the appointments could affect Tehran’s approach to negotiations, regional security or relations with the United States. The reshuffle also strengthens the role of figures with longstanding links to the IRGC within the leadership structure. Rezaei had already served as a military adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei before taking on the latest assignment. For Zolghadr, the new position keeps him within the senior leadership circle despite his exit from the SNSC secretaryship. His experience in security and political affairs could allow him to continue playing a role in shaping policy from the Supreme Leader’s office. The appointments come at a critical time for Iran, with international attention focused on Tehran’s security posture and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Whether the changes represent a broader adjustment in Iran’s negotiating strategy remains to be seen, but the elevation of two experienced security figures is likely to keep Tehran’s next moves under close scrutiny.

RIYADH/SANAA: Regional tensions have taken another dangerous turn after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed it carried out a drone attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, while a separate barrage of missiles and drones reportedly struck the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Mokha. The developments come as security concerns continue to grow across the Red Sea and Gulf, adding another layer to an already volatile regional situation. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had targeted the Aramco refinery in Jazan, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, with drones. Saudi authorities confirmed that a fire had broken out at the facility but said it had been brought under control and that no casualties had been reported. Saudi officials did not immediately attribute the fire to the alleged Houthi attack, leaving some details surrounding the incident unclear. The Jazan refinery is a strategically important energy facility on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The complex has a crude-processing capacity of around 400,000 barrels per day and produces products including gasoline and ultra-low-sulfur diesel. The latest incident is not the first time Houthi attacks have been reported against Saudi energy infrastructure. The Jazan facility was also reportedly affected by an attack in late July, with parts of its gasification complex and tank farm suffering damage, according to reports. Mokha Port Also Hit The situation became even more serious when Houthi forces reportedly launched missiles and drones toward Mokha, a strategically located port city on Yemen’s western coast. Yemeni government forces and medical sources initially reported at least seven deaths, including civilians and military personnel. Later reports put the death toll at 11, with eight military personnel and three civilians among those killed. Around 32 people were reportedly wounded, although casualty figures varied between sources. Yemeni military officials said air-defence systems intercepted 11 Houthi drones during the attacks. Damage was also reported to civilian and commercial infrastructure around the port. The attacks come against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The Houthis have also previously threatened measures affecting shipping in the Red Sea, framing their actions as retaliation for Saudi policies toward Yemen. The latest escalation is particularly notable because Saudi Arabia has recently deepened its defence cooperation with Pakistan and Türkiye. The new security arrangement has been presented as a collective defence framework in which an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all. With attacks now reported near both Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, fears are growing that the conflict could further disrupt an already sensitive regional security and trade environment.

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has held an important meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as speculation over the president’s future continues to attract attention amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel. The meeting reportedly came as Pezeshkian entered the third year of his presidency. It also followed reports suggesting that the Iranian president was considering stepping down, claims he has rejected. Iranian authorities have previously dismissed resignation reports as unfounded, while Pezeshkian has publicly indicated that he intends to continue serving. According to statements attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei on social media, the discussions covered a wide range of economic, military and strategic issues facing Iran. Among the topics were the economic needs of ordinary Iranians, the country’s military situation, access to resources and management of the Iranian rial, foreign currency and energy costs. The two leaders also discussed economic relations with foreign partners and the wider implications of the confrontation with Washington and Israel. The meeting comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Tehran. Iran remains under pressure from the continuing regional conflict and economic difficulties, while efforts to engage Washington have faced repeated obstacles. The reported contact is also notable because Pezeshkian recently said that reaching Mojtaba Khamenei had been difficult, prompting speculation about the supreme leader’s health and whereabouts. Reports in recent days have offered conflicting accounts about how and where senior Iranian officials have been able to meet him. Meanwhile, Iran’s diplomatic efforts with the United States remain uncertain. According to the material cited by Iranian officials, negotiations have been reduced largely to messages exchanged through intermediaries after earlier attempts failed to produce a lasting agreement. The political backdrop has also been complicated by reported tensions between the presidency and powerful military-security institutions. Some reports have suggested disagreements over decision-making and the conduct of Iran’s response to the conflict, although details remain contested. Pezeshkian’s political position has therefore become a subject of renewed attention. He was elected president in July 2024 following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, became Iran’s supreme leader in March 2026 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the conflict. Against this backdrop, the latest meeting between the president and supreme leader carries significance beyond routine government business, particularly as Iran confronts economic pressures, military uncertainty and difficult relations with Washington. For now, however, Pezeshkian remains in office, while reports of his resignation have been publicly rejected.

TEHRAN: A new video showing Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged, offering a rare public glimpse of the Iranian leader amid heightened attention over his health and whereabouts. The footage was released by Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency and appears to show Khamenei sitting with several people and engaged in conversation. The agency did not disclose when or where the recording was made, nor did it identify the other individuals seen alongside him. Khamenei appears in normal condition in the short footage. The release comes after reports and speculation about his health had circulated in recent days, making the video particularly significant for observers following developments in Tehran. Iranian media presented the footage as evidence of the Supreme Leader’s continued presence and activity. The video does not provide independent confirmation of when it was recorded, however, leaving some questions unanswered about Khamenei’s current condition and location. The appearance comes as tensions surrounding Iran remain high. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran’s determination to withstand pressure and continue what he described as resistance. “We are fully prepared for resistance despite all pressures,” Araghchi said, according to the statement cited by Iranian media. He also said Iran would not forget what he described as the unjust bloodshed of its martyrs, adding that those responsible would not be forgiven. Khamenei’s limited public appearances have attracted considerable attention since he became Iran’s Supreme Leader earlier this year. The latest footage is therefore likely to be closely examined both inside Iran and abroad as questions continue over the country’s leadership and its response to mounting regional pressures. For now, the exact timing and location of the recording remain undisclosed.