Iran-US military and political tensions

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a conflict that began in February 2026, Iran has entered a period of mourning and heightened military tension. Commemorative services marking the 40th day since his funeral rites have been scheduled across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. Previous reports indicate that Khamenei’s remains and family were moved to holy sites in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq.

The conflict has involved significant casualties, including a missile strike on the ‘Al-Shajara al-Tayyiba’ school in Minab that resulted in the deaths of 168 students and teachers.

Simultaneously, military tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated. Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief Amir Hatami announced a $30,000 reward for the capture or elimination of U.S. military personnel. This follows claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States would declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory after defeating Iran. Tehran has rejected these claims, asserting that the Strait remains under Iranian control, while the Iranian Joint Staff warned they will not retreat until the defeat of the “American-Zionist enemy” in the region.