'At your service': Iran unveils missile pledging loyalty to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Images broadcast on Iranian state television showed a projectile with a handwritten message directed at the new leader. (Image Source: New York Post)

Iran unveiled a missile bearing a message of allegiance to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid ongoing regional drone and missile strikes. US President Trump criticized Mojtaba’s appointment, while tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

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Iran signalled its loyalty to newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a dramatic fashion on Monday, unveiling a missile bearing a message of allegiance as the country launched another wave of drone and missile strikes across the region.

Images broadcast on Iranian state television showed a projectile with a handwritten message directed at the new leader.

“At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba,” the inscription on the missile read.

The missile was revealed just hours after Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was formally named successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Leadership transition after Khamenei’s death

Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation to the position of Supreme Leader marks a significant shift within Iran’s political and religious establishment.

Although he has never held elected office, Mojtaba has long been considered one of the most influential figures within the Iranian power structure. Analysts have often described him as a “mini-supreme leader” and a key “gatekeeper” for his father during Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule.

Mojtaba was also sanctioned by the United States government in 2019 on allegations that he was “representing the supreme leader in an official capacity” despite not holding any formal elected position.

Trump comments on Iran’s new leader

The leadership change quickly drew sharp comments from US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to ABC News, Trump suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei’s future in power would depend on Washington’s approval.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump said.

Trump has previously criticised Mojtaba Khamenei and questioned his suitability for the role.

The US president described him as “unacceptable” and “a lightweight,” adding that the next Iranian leader should be someone capable of bringing stability to the country.

“I want somebody that’s going to bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said, adding that he believed he needed to be “involved” in the selection of the new leader.

Iran launches new wave of attacks

Even as the leadership transition unfolded, Iran continued its military operations in the region.

Iranian forces launched another series of drone and missile attacks targeting locations across the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting four drones that were believed to be heading toward the Shaybah oilfield, one of the kingdom’s key energy facilities.

Meanwhile, Bahraini state media reported that 32 people, including children, were injured after an Iranian drone struck an area south of the capital.

Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks, describing them as “reprehensible,” according to Al Jazeera.

Missile activity across the region

Iran also launched ballistic missiles as part of its latest offensive.

One such missile was reportedly intercepted by NATO air defences in Turkey.

The interception occurred near the Incirlik military base in southern Turkey, where US Air Force personnel are stationed.

Rising tensions in the Middle East

The unveiling of the missile dedicated to Mojtaba Khamenei and the continuing attacks highlight the increasingly volatile situation across the Middle East.

With Iran’s leadership transition taking place amid an expanding conflict, analysts warn that the region could face further escalation in the coming days as military actions and political rhetoric continue to intensify.