U.S.–Iran Conflict and Operation Epic Fury

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei — a mid‑ranking, IRGC‑aligned hardliner long sanctioned by the U.S. — as supreme leader after the strike that killed his father, a move Tehran frames as continuity while drawing threats from Israel and sharp criticism from President Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told PBS that, given the U.S.–Israeli strikes, talks with Washington are now unlikely as the new leadership consolidates military backing amid ongoing regional attacks and rising oil prices.