Ayatollah Hosseinali Eshkevari made the remarks in a video released by Iranian media, stating that the decision would be revealed soon as Israel warned it would target whoever assumes Iran’s top leadership role. Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardline cleric who has built influence within Iran’s security establishment and major economic networks, has long been viewed by insiders as the leading candidate to assume the powerful post, which holds final authority over state policy.
The leadership signal comes as Israeli forces expand military operations against Iranian targets, including strikes on senior officials and key infrastructure. Israel said it killed Abolqasem Babaian, the recently appointed head of the supreme leader’s military office, during a weekend strike.
Abu al-Qasem Baba’iyan, who recently succeeded Iran’s supreme leader’s military bureau chief, was reportedly killed, the Defense Minister says. pic.twitter.com/TfLi4zkOU3
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 8, 2026
Regional tensions remain high as Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination facility and Israel continued attacks on fuel depots and military-linked sites.
The apparent selection of Mojtaba Khamenei signals leadership continuity during wartime and suggests Iran’s hardline factions remain dominant, limiting prospects for near-term policy shifts despite mounting international pressure.
Colombia Votes in High-Stakes Congressional and Primary Elections
Colombians cast ballots Sunday to elect a new Congress and select presidential candidates for three major political coalitions ahead of the May 31 presidential vote.
The election, involving more than 3,000 candidates competing for 285 legislative seats, unfolded under heightened security, with over 126,000 law enforcement officers deployed nationwide, particularly in rural areas dominated by illegal armed groups.
Hours after polls opened, Colombian authorities reported an attempted illegal crossing by at least 2,400 people from Venezuela in Norte de Santander.
Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said the group tried to vote despite border closures, prompting an investigation into the transportation company and alleged organizers. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the incident as “large-scale fraud” and an “avalanche of illegal voting,” urging local officials to respond immediately. Officials later reported the area cleared and investigations underway.
🚨🇨🇴 | PSIQUIÁTRICO: El narcopresidente Gustavo Petro volvió a delirar sobre un supuesto fraude electoral y cuestionó el sistema de escrutinio en Colombia: “No tercerizar las elecciones en manos de un monopolio tecnológico. La ciudadanía debe poder auditar el código fuente del… pic.twitter.com/dytjWpg1nc
— La Derecha Diario Colombia (@DerechaDiarioCO) March 8, 2026
Alongside legislative contests, Colombians participated in “interparty consultations,” a primary-style vote to determine candidates from the center, center-left, and right blocs. These primaries are intended to gauge political support ahead of the presidential election, although leading contenders Iván Cepeda and far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella did not participate.
Analysts note the outcome of Sunday’s votes will shape Colombia’s political landscape, with the legislature increasingly acting as a counterweight to Petro’s policies. The left-leaning Historic Pact has previously pushed through pension and labor reforms, while opposition forces led by former President Álvaro Uribe aim to reclaim influence.
Observers from the European Union monitored the elections, expanding their presence from an initial 40 personnel deployed in early February.
Explosion Outside US Embassy in Oslo Under Investigation; No Injuries Reported
Norwegian authorities are investigating an early Sunday explosion outside the US Embassy in Oslo, which caused damage to the embassy’s entrance but left no one injured.
Police received reports of a “loud bang” around 1 a.m. local time and determined that an incendiary device, reportedly contained in a backpack, detonated outside the Consular Affairs office.
Frode Larsen, head of Oslo police’s joint investigation and intelligence unit, said officers are considering multiple hypotheses, including a targeted attack on the embassy, but have not committed to a single motive.
Police responded to an explosion at the US Embassy in Oslo on March 8. Authorities said the blast was likely caused by explosive devices in what they described as a targeted attack. pic.twitter.com/PJfyIjNduD
— New York Post (@nypost) March 8, 2026
Local residents reported thick smoke on nearby streets, and police are actively seeking witnesses. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) deployed additional personnel, though the country’s terror threat level remains unchanged.
Norway’s Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen described the incident as “unacceptable” and confirmed authorities are dedicating substantial resources to the investigation while emphasizing that the public is not at risk.
The US Embassy in Oslo referred inquiries to the State Department, which said it is aware of the explosion and has opened a separate investigation, thanking Norwegian authorities for their support.
While no evidence currently points to a broader terror threat, the use of an incendiary device at a high-profile target highlights the potential for small-scale attacks to disrupt diplomatic operations and strain local security resources.
Three Arrested After Deadly Nightclub Explosion in Trujillo, Peru; 44 Injured
Peruvian authorities arrested three people following a nightclub bombing in Trujillo on Saturday that left 44 people injured, including three teenagers.
The explosion occurred at the Dalí nightclub in La Libertad, the country’s largest gold-producing region, which has a history of violence linked to illegal mining and extortion. Ten victims have been discharged from hospitals, while four remain in serious condition, according to Gerardo Florián, executive director of the Trujillo Health Network.
Peru Dali nightclub explosion Latest
An explosion struck the Dali nightclub in Trujillo, Peru, early this morning, injuring 33 people — including three minors — with no deaths reported.
At least five victims are in serious condition, with reports of shrapnel wounds, abdominal… pic.twitter.com/0psTtWwngG
— Abhijit Pathak (@aajtakabhijit) March 7, 2026
Municipal officials temporarily closed the nightclub for 30 days, citing violations of operating hours and an ordinance barring minors from entering. Authorities have not released further details about the arrested individuals.
The blast is part of a pattern of explosive incidents in La Libertad. In 2025, the region recorded 286 explosions, with 136 in Trujillo alone, including attacks on a prosecutor’s office and residential areas that injured multiple people.
Sources: News Agencies
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