On Monday, August 10th, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed six new military leaders to the country's army and Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Ali Abdollahi as chief of staff of the army, according to Iran's state-owned Press TV. Khamenei has not been publicly seen since replacing his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike in late February.

Iran's president stated that the Supreme Leader is calling for "unity and cohesion" as the Islamic Republic faces economic hardships and sanctions linked to its conflict with the United States.

Qasid Mahmoud, a retired deputy chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, told CBS News that Iranian missile tactics involve using simple missiles to distract radar before firing higher-quality missiles that alter their targets in the final 30 to 40 kilometers. He noted that Iran's missiles now have guidance and rerouting capabilities, marking a significant advancement from previous technology.

The Oman Environment Authority reported that an ongoing spill has affected approximately 150 square miles, highlighting environmental concerns in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that diplomacy remains a key part of Iran's efforts to protect its national interests. He also noted recent visits by Iranian economic and interior ministers to Pakistan, which is mediating between the U.S. and Iran.

Following an attack that killed one sailor, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he does not want to open a "new front," but accused Iran of having "already attacked us," referring to Tehran's supply of attack drones to Russia.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials rejected a 15-point document related to regional security, with military leaders asserting they will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed and threats to Israeli forces and citizens are neutralized.

President Trump indicated that the U.S. is "semi-negotiating" with Iran but plans to increase economic pressure on Tehran as stalemates continue and Iran sets new conditions for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Notable Quotes

  • "All of the enemy's plans are aimed at creating division."
  • "What we have to do is prevent divisions from emerging."
  • "People's livelihoods, the state of the market, employment, people's housing," are affected by sanctions.
  • "Iran's missiles no longer merely fire from one point and land at another point, as in the past, but have the capabilities of guidance and rerouting."

Sources