Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to make his first public appearance on Saturday, leading a memorial ceremony for his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine in Qom, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

The event is expected to draw significant national and international attention, as Mojtaba has remained out of public view since the outbreak of the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. His absence has fueled widespread speculation over his role in the country’s leadership transition following the death of his father.

Regional Tensions Continue

The anticipated appearance comes against the backdrop of renewed military tensions in the Middle East. Israeli media outlet Kan reported that Israel is preparing another military operation against Iran in coordination with the United States and is awaiting approval from US President Donald Trump.

According to the report, Israeli officials believe the confrontation between Washington and Tehran could continue for several more days. Separately, the New York Post, citing a source in Jerusalem, reported that Israel remains prepared to launch further strikes if it considers them necessary, while seeking to avoid prolonged disruption for its own civilian population.

Fresh Claims of Military Action

In another development, an Iranian official claimed that the United States carried out an airstrike on the Bushehr nuclear facility, though no casualties were reported.

Iran has also claimed responsibility for retaliatory missile attacks targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Authorities in the three countries said their air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones, preventing damage.

Tehran further accused the United States of launching a cruise missile strike on a strategic railway bridge in northern Iran linked to trade routes connecting China and Russia. Iranian officials described the alleged attack as a violation of international law.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Watch

The conflict has continued to affect global energy markets. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, was temporarily disrupted following the latest escalation.

Although maritime traffic has begun recovering gradually, uncertainty in the region pushed international crude oil prices higher. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global oil inventories increased by 21 million barrels in June, while forecasting stronger oil demand growth in 2027 despite a slowdown expected next year.

Iran has also reportedly shifted around 10 million barrels of crude oil and fuel reserves amid concerns that future military action or sanctions could disrupt exports.

Netanyahu Says Conflict Not Over

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conflict with Iran "is not over" and warned that new security challenges could emerge in the coming days.

Speaking at an Israeli Air Force event, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, regardless of future diplomatic negotiations. He maintained that Israel remains prepared for any scenario and defended recent military actions as necessary for national security.

Iran Vows Retaliation

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also hardened its stance following the death of Ali Khamenei.

IRGC commander Brigadier-General Ahmad Vahidi pledged retaliation against both the United States and Israel, stating that those responsible for the assassination would face justice. He said the killing would not weaken Iran’s Islamic Revolution or the broader "Resistance Front."

Meanwhile, Iran held funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader in Mashhad, with thousands attending the final rites earlier this week.

With Mojtaba Khamenei expected to address supporters publicly for the first time since assuming leadership, regional observers will closely watch the ceremony for signals about Iran’s future political direction and its response to the ongoing conflict.